Ahmedabad: A theft attempt at a residential flat in the city was thwarted after the homeowner’s father and driver returned home and confronted the accused, leading to the arrest of two persons, including a domestic worker, while a third suspect managed to flee.According to a complaint filed with Gujarat University police station, the incident occurred on Monday morning at an apartment in Ambawadi. The complainant, a 51-year-old businessman involved in the mining trade, stated that his elderly parents had gone to a hospital for dialysis treatment earlier that day. Police said the complainant’s father and the driver returned to the residence at around 11.40am after stepping out briefly. Despite repeatedly ringing the doorbell, there was no response initially. “When the door was opened, two unidentified persons pushed them and tried to escape from the flat,” a police officer said. During the ensuing commotion, the driver chased the suspects and managed to nab one of them after a struggle, while the other fled the scene. The arrested accused was identified as Akash Virendrasinh Thakur, a resident of Delhi. The third accused, identified as Niyazkhan Pathan, managed to escape. On entering the flat, the family found their domestic help, Shankar Agnyaprasad, tied up with tape over his mouth and his hands bound behind his back. However, during interrogation, he allegedly confessed to being part of the plot. “Preliminary investigation indicates that the domestic help contacted his associates and planned the theft. They broke open lockers in several rooms and damaged CCTV cameras,” the officer said. Police said the accused came prepared with a sharp weapon and attempted to execute the theft. During the scuffle, the driver suffered an injury to his wrist. The suspects also caused damage estimated at around Rs 18,000 to the property, including lockers and surveillance systems. “No clarity has emerged yet on whether valuables were stolen, as the complainant’s wife, who is aware of the locker contents, is currently out of station,” the officer added. Both the domestic worker and the arrested accused have been taken into custody, while efforts are on to trace the absconding suspect. Police have registered offences under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including house trespass, attempt to commit theft, causing hurt with a weapon and criminal conspiracy. Further probe is underway.
