Banjara Hills theft: Distinctive walk gives away thief in woman's disguise

Hyderabad: A 27-year-old man was arrested for stealing gold and cash from his former tenth-classmate's home in Uday Nagar, Banjara Hills, after his attempt to avoid detection by wearing women's clothing was foiled by an unlikely detail, his distinctive walking style.

The Banjara Hills Detective Inspector Sheik Kaviuddin, who spearheaded the investigation, said that the breakthrough in the case came after the investigation team analyzed footage from more than two dozen CCTV cameras in the neighbourhood. The suspect's walk was recognized by his former classmate Sachin, whose house he had robbed.

Harshit, a long-time friend of the victim’s family, targeted the home of Yenugunday Shivraj on September 16 while the family was in Nizamabad.

CCTV review and familiar walk lead to breakthrough

After Shivraj filed a complaint reporting the theft of 55 grams of gold jewellery and Rs 1,10,500 in cash all worth around  Rs 3.5 Lakh, the police collected footage from more than 20 CCTV cameras in the neighbourhood. 

During the review, Shivraj’s son Sachin recognized the walking style of the person seen in the footage, despite the woman’s attire. Sachin identified the walk as that of his close friend and tenth-class classmate, Harshit, added Sheik Kaviuddin.

Investigation revealed Harshit was a frequent visitor to the house and familiar to neighbours. To avoid recognition, he wore women’s clothing during the theft. He further confessed that huge debts forced him to carry out theft.

Accused arrested, stolen items recovered

Banjarahills police took Harshit into custody from his residence in Serlingampally. When questioned, he confessed to the crime. Further police recovered all stolen items intact after making the arrest. Consequently sent to judicial custody. Further investigation is underway.