Aizawl: Two burglars as well as drug users were arrested recently for repeatedly committing burglaries in Aizawl, a police officer said on Tuesday.
The accused have been identified as Vohbik Malsawmdawngzela (23), a resident of Aizawl’s Zemabawk locality and Malsawmdawngkima (33) of Bungkawn locality in Aizawl, he said.
Aizawl Superintendent of Police (SP) Rahool Alwal told a news conference on Tuesday that several burglary cases have been registered against the two burglars.
While Malsawmdawngzela was arrested on April 11, Malsawmdawngkima was arrested on March 27 for committing habitual burglaries, he said.
After extensive interrogation, the two have confessed to their crimes, he said.
Malsawmdawngzela had committed theft on at least seven occasions between March 2023 and April this year and had stolen cash and properties altogether worth over Rs. 9.6 lakh by breaking into houses in different parts of Aizawl, he said.
One of his biggest burglaries occurred in November last year when he stole Rs. 5 lakh cash from a house at Zemabawk Middle School locality. He spent the money to buy a motorcycle, which he later sold online, the SP said.
He said that stolen properties, cash, and foreign currency notes were recovered from the accused.
Similarly, Malsawmdawngkima had stolen cash and properties worth Rs. 48,875 by breaking into staff quarters within the government secretariat complex in Aizawl between June 2023 and April this year.
The two burglars usually disposed of their stolen properties at moderate prices to buy drugs, Alwal said.
The Aizawl SP cautioned people not to buy stolen properties and any suspicious properties as it may induce legal action.
He also urged households to put CCTV cameras in their homes to prevent theft or to help law enforcement agencies in tracing burglars.