Mumbai Police Nab Serial Robber with Over 60 Burglary Cases
The Malad police have apprehended a habitual housebreaker, Atish Dattaram Sakharkar, who has been linked to over 60 housebreaking cases across Mumbai, Mira-Bhayandar, Thane, and Navi Mumbai.
Mumbai PoliceSerial RobberHousebreakingAtish Dattaram SakharkarSilvassaReal Estate MumbaiJul 11, 2025
According to police sources, Sakharkar, a repeat offender, previously lived with his wife, two children, mother, and brother in Virar. He also maintained relationships with two girlfriends. Due to frequent arrests, he shifted to Silvassa and has been staying in a rented apartment (Room No 11, 2nd Floor, Gurudev Society) for the past 4 to 6 months. He would routinely travel to Mumbai to commit burglaries and flee back to Silvassa immediately after executing the crimes.
His latest arrest is connected to a burglary reported in February 2025 at a house located in Rajdeep building in Malad West. Sakharkar allegedly broke into the complainant's residence and stole gold and silver valuables worth Rs 3.27 lakh, including bangles, earrings, mangalsutras, a chain, and a silver baby bracelet. During the investigation, local CCTV footage failed to provide a clear image due to poor lighting. The police then involved a forensic team, and fingerprints lifted from the crime scene matched police records, confirming Sakharkar’s identity.
Under the guidance of DCP Sandeep Jadhav (Zone 11) and Senior Inspector Vijaykumar Panhale, PSI Tushar Sukhdev led the detection team comprising Police Naiks Santosh Satavse, Amit Gawand, and Avinash Jadhav, along with Constables Mahesh Doifode, Dalit Paikrao, and Vaibhav Thorat. Constable Aditya Rane provided technical support by tracing the accused’s location using call data records.
“During our investigation, we learned that the accused had a strong addiction to cigarettes and paan,” said a Malad police officer. “We circulated his photograph among local paan vendors, and some of them recognised him. After several days of surveillance, the accused was finally nabbed on Wednesday while preparing to travel to Mumbai.”
Sakharkar’s modus operandi involved cutting window grills to gain entry into homes and stealing valuables, mostly cash and jewellery. After each theft, he would return to Silvassa to avoid immediate arrest. During interrogation, Sakharkar confessed to the crime. Police confirmed that he had been involved in over 60 burglary cases. Typically, he would spend two to three months in jail after each arrest and has cumulatively spent over two years in custody. However, he would resume his criminal activities upon release.
“In the present case, he stole gold and silver ornaments worth Rs 3.27 lakh, including bangles, earrings, mangalsutras, a chain, and a silver baby bracelet,” said Senior Inspector Vijay Panhale. Efforts are underway to recover the stolen property. Sakharkar has a long criminal record, with cases registered at police stations including Vile Parle, Goregaon, Borivli, Jogeshwari, Vanrai, Valiv, Dindoshi, Kasturba Marg, Charkop, Vasai, Tulinj, Nalasopara, DN Nagar, and Santacruz. His offences range from housebreaking and theft to cheating and even sexual assault. Several preventive actions have also been taken against him under the Mumbai Police Act. He is currently in police custody till July 16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Atish Dattaram Sakharkar?
Atish Dattaram Sakharkar is a 36-year-old habitual housebreaker who has been linked to over 60 housebreaking cases across Mumbai, Mira-Bhayandar, Thane, and Navi Mumbai since 2006.
Where was Sakharkar arrested?
Sakharkar was arrested in Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, by the Malad police.
What was the latest crime Sakharkar was involved in?
The latest crime Sakharkar was involved in was a burglary reported in February 2025 at a house located in Rajdeep building in Malad West, where he stole gold and silver valuables worth Rs 3.27 lakh.
How did the police identify Sakharkar?
The police identified Sakharkar through fingerprints lifted from the crime scene, which matched police records, and by tracing his location using call data records.
What is Sakharkar's modus operandi?
Sakharkar's modus operandi involved cutting window grills to gain entry into homes and stealing valuables, mostly cash and jewellery. After each theft, he would return to Silvassa to avoid immediate arrest.
Related News Articles
Hardik Pandya's Net Worth: A Closer Look at His Wealth and Assets
From his lucrative IPL contracts to his impressive real estate portfolio
Boosting Realty Affordability: Experts Call for Policy Shifts and Infra Improvements
Industry experts emphasize the need for policy changes and infrastructure development to address affordability issues in the real estate market.
Pune's Real Estate Empire: Minor's Father in Custody Over Cheating Case
A Pune court has allowed the police to take custody of the father of the minor accused in the Porsche crash case, in a cheating case registered against him at Kondhwa police station.
Revolutionizing Traffic Management: Pune Police, PMC, and Google Collaborate to Improve Road Infrastructure
Pune takes a significant step towards reducing traffic congestion and travel time with the collaboration of Pune Police, PMC, and Google on 32 main roads.
New Developments in Rs 100 Crore Real Estate Investment Fraud
Prospect Realty, a firm registered before the sub-registrar of Salcete, Margao, is at the center of a massive Rs 100 crore investment fraud. The firm, engaged in the real estate business, has been accused of misleading investors with false promises. Myron
Maharashtra Government to Mandate Precast Construction for Mumbai Real Estate
The Maharashtra government is working on a policy to make precast construction mandatory for real estate projects in Mumbai, aiming to streamline construction processes and enhance building quality.