Mumbai: House help arrested for theft at actress’ home

(From left) Manju Malik with Nehaa Malik. PIC/@Instagram/priyankamittal_official

The Amboli police have arrested the house help of model and actress Nehaa Malik in a theft case on Monday based on a complaint filed by the actress's mother, who accused her of stealing jewellery worth Rs 34.49 lakh. The accused was arrested from JB Nagar in Andheri and police have recovered the stolen jewellery.

The actress and her mother, Manju Malik, 65, reside at Adani Heights complex, Four Bungalows, Andheri West. The accused, identified as Shehnaz Shaikh, 37, had been working at the actress's home since February. A police officer stated, "Complainant Manju used to keep her jewellery in a cloth pouch stored in an unlocked wooden drawer in the bedroom. On several occasions, she accessed the drawer in Shehnaz's presence.

Even in the owner's absence, house help Shehnaz continued her cleaning routine. On April 24, Manju placed her jewellery in the drawer. The next morning (April 25), Shehnaz arrived as usual and offered to thoroughly clean the bedroom and mirrors, claiming she needed money to pay her rent. Manju gave her an advance of Rs 9000."

After instructing Shehnaz on the chores, Manju left for the Gurudwara and returned around 9 am. However, the next day (April 26), Shehnaz did not appear for work. Concerned, Manju repeatedly tried calling her, only to find her phone switched off. Sensing something suspicious, she checked the drawer and found the jewellery missing.

She immediately informed her daughter about the incident. Convinced that Shehnaz had stolen the jewellery, the family approached the police and filed an FIR. A police officer said, "We have registered an FIR under Section 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the IPC and have initiated further investigation."