Elderly Khar couple robbed by caretaker

Omkar Khandekar

An elderly Khar-based couple was robbed of cash and valuables worth Rs 3.82 lakh by a servant they had recently hired. Satnam Sachdev, who was working as a caretaker for the last 20-22 days, struck the couple with a pestle and locked them in the toilet before fleeing with the valuables.

According to the Khar police, the incident took place on Thursday morning. Parsan Jain (79) and Hirachand (82) Jain live in a fourth-floor apartment on the 4th Road in Khar (W). Reportedly, Hirachand has a bladder problem and needs constant attention and supervision. Sachdev was employed based on references and used to work at their house from 8 am to 8 pm.

“On Thursday morning, the accused came by their house early around 6.30am. He entered the house on the pretext that he will take some rest before starting work,” said inspector Sanjay More.

“Sachdev then struck the woman on her head and at three other spots with the pestle, injuring her grievously. He also hit Hirachand and proceeded to tie him up and gag him before locking them in the bathroom,” said inspector Sukhlal Warpe.

The accused then broke into the complainants’ cupboard and stole 150 g jewellery worth Rs 3.75 lakh and Rs 7,000 in cash. Hirachand, who wasn’t as grievously injured, called a relative, Sanjay Jain, who lives in the vicinity. Jain, in turn, informed the Khar police. On reaching the spot, the cops immediately rushed the complainants to Bhabha hospital for medical attention.

“We have interrogated several of Sachdev’s previous employers, who had hired him through a service provider. While he doesn’t have a criminal history, we are told that he was always haggling for money. As for this couple, the parties did not have any financial disputes. The investigation is on and we are hunting for the accused,” said Warpe. Meanwhile, the condition of the elderly couple is said to be stable.