Probing a burglary case in Wadala area, Mumbai Police officials came across an unusual clue- crooked finger of the suspect, captured in a CCTV footage- which turned out to be a major breakthrough in cracking the case, officials said.
According to the police, the investigators have arrested a 33-year-old alleged repeat offender for allegedly breaking into a grocery shop in Wadala and stealing cigarette cartons worth around Rs 69,000.
The accused has been identified as Ashfaq Aslam Sayyed, a resident of PMGP Colony in Mankhurd.
Police said that the burglary took place at around 3.20 am on July 9 at Mahalaxmi General Store in Nityanand Nagar, Wadala East.
The shop owner, Vipul Anubha Jadeja, reported that unknown persons had broken into the closed shop noticed that one of the suspects had a noticeably crooked finger.
Police said this and stolen cartons of Gold Flake and Marlboro cigarettes worth approximately Rs 69,000.
CCTV footage provided crucial clue
During the investigation, the Wadala Police's Crime Detection Team examined CCTV footage from the area and found that the suspects had arrived in a an SUV.
While reviewing the footage, officers noticed that one of the suspects had a noticeably crooked finger. Police said this distinctive feature became the key clue that helped identify the accused.
Suspect traced through surveillance
Using the CCTV evidence, technical surveillance and information received from an informer, police tracked Sayyed to Dargha Road in Mazgaon.
A trap was laid and the suspect was arrested. During questioning, he allegedly confessed to his role in the burglary and was formally taken into custody.
Police also traced the SUV allegedly used in the crime to its registered owner, Mehjabin Samiulla Beg.
After being informed that the vehicle had allegedly been used in the offence, the owner voluntarily handed it over to the police. The SUV has since been seized as part of the investigation.
Accused has long criminal record
Police said Sayyed is a history-sheeter with several criminal cases registered against him at Mankhurd and Kurla police stations between 2012 and 2025.
His alleged offences include dacoity, attempted murder, robbery, housebreaking and extortion.
The investigation is being led by Sub-Inspector Sagar Kalekar and the Wadala Police under the supervision of senior officers.
Police said efforts are continuing to recover the stolen cigarette cartons.
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