Elusive Couple Nabbed for Serial Shop Thefts

A couple from Kerala, Milan and Atulya Vathiyat, were arrested for thefts across Mumbai and other cities. They distracted shopkeepers under the guise of shopping, while stealing cash from stores. Arrested after a garment shop complaint, they confessed to crimes in various cities, with investigations continuing.

A couple hailing from Thrissur, Kerala, has been apprehended by Mumbai police for allegedly committing thefts in multiple cities, according to an official source. The duo, identified as Milan Baiju Vathiyat, 24, and his wife, Atulya Milan Vathiyat, 21, were strategically committing these crimes on the pretext of shopping.

Their arrest followed a theft report from a garment store in Khar on May 1, where the couple managed to steal Rs 53,500 by distracting the shopkeeper. The woman engaged the staff with requests to view clothes, while her accomplice emptied the cash counter. The cunning theft was only discovered after they politely exited the shop.

Utilizing CCTV footage, the police tracked and captured the suspects at Oberoi Mall, Goregaon. During interrogation, the Vathiyats confessed to similar thefts in major Indian cities including Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai. Authorities reported that they typically targeted bustling stores in the morning hours, with the woman engaging staff to facilitate the theft.

(With inputs from agencies.)