Mumbai Crime: Cook Steals ₹7.5 Lakh From Employer’s Flat After Studying Drawer Keys, Khar Police Recover Entire Amount

In a shocking incident in Mumbai, a 25-year-old cook named Santosh Gaud was apprehended by the Khar police for allegedly stealing ₹7.5 lakh from his employer's flat. The funds were later used to book return flights to Uttar Pradesh, where Gaud had intended to settle.

Gaud worked for garment businessman Chetan Chandan for five years and had access to the cash stored in the employer's flat. The money was kept in a wardrobe, with the key to the third drawer hidden inside the second. The first key was kept in plain sight, easily accessible to Gaud.

On September 25, Gaud arrived at the workplace to cook at 12:45 pm. After serving lunch at 2 pm, he discreetly left the premises without informing anyone. By 5 pm, Chandan noticed that the key to the third drawer was missing, along with the ₹7.5 lakh stored within.

CCTV footage later revealed Gaud carrying a bulky trouser pocket, which he used to conceal his stolen bag. He reportedly spent ₹25,000 on his first-ever flight journey and another ₹20,000 on food and lodging. Through technical analysis, investigators traced Gaud's movements and ultimately recovered ₹7.05 lakh of the stolen amount.

Gaud was arrested upon his return to Mumbai around midnight on October 1. He had deceptioningly informed Chandan that he was in Alibag, then Jharkhand. The theft case was registered, and police discovered Gaud's meticulous study of the employer's drawer-key system, which enabled him to successfully carry out the heist.