Left: One of the six vehicles targeted in Hiranandani. Right: Security footage showing the suspects approaching a vehicle.
POWAI, MUMBAI – It was supposed to be a typical, bustling Thursday evening in Hiranandani Gardens. But while thousands were stuck in the gridlock of the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR) and students gathered to the nearby Mood Indigo festival, a duo of high-speed thieves turned the upscale neighbourhood, Hiranandani into their personal hunting ground.
In a brazen crime spree that has sent shockwaves through one of Mumbai’s elite localities, thieves smashed their way into six cars in just 30 minutes, escaping with laptops, luxury bags, and electronics worth lakhs of rupees.
The ‘Twilight’ Trap
On December 18th, the stars aligned perfectly for the criminals. Between the heavy traffic diverted from JVLR and the “dim twilight” of early evening, the thieves found the perfect cover. They didn’t target dark, secluded alleys; instead, they went straight for the heart of the action: Central Avenue Road, Ventura Building, and the area near Hiranandani Hospital.
While owners were away for as little as ten minutes – grabbing a cold drink or checking on a property – the thieves moved with surgical precision.
The Victims: Laptops, Coach Bags, and Lost Documents
The sheer speed of the “smash-and-grab” left victims stunned.
- The Quick Task: Pitta Ramunaidu, a Kanjurmarg resident looking for a new home, parked near the Ventura building. He stepped away for a quick drink, only to return to a shattered window and a missing laptop.
- The Coffee Run: Totapalli Ravikanth had a similar experience near the popular ‘Chaayos’ outlet, losing his laptop in minutes.
- The Student’s Loss: 19-year-old Vismaya Kochampalli’s MG Hector, parked outside ‘Hichki’, was targeted for her laptop and important documents.
- The Luxury Haul: Near Hotel Meluha/Haiko Supermarket, a young woman’s car was cleaned out. The thieves made off with a high-end Coach bag, expensive Laptop, AirPods, cash, and credit cards.
Police source confirm that at least three more cars were hit near the Olympia building and Hiranandani Hospital.
Caught on Camera: The Two-Wheeler Bandits
The Powai police have launched a massive manhunt. CCTV footage from the area has provided a chilling look at how the crime was executed.
“CCTV footage shows two suspects arriving on a motorcycle. They were captured expertly breaking the windows and fleeing within moments,” a senior officer confirmed.
The Powai police have registered cases under Sections 303(2) and 324(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The speed and skill of the suspects suggest a professional gang that specializes in glass-breaking techniques that don’t immediately trigger car alarms.
Don’t Be the Next Target: 3 Golden Rules
As the hunt for the motorcycle duo continues, the Powai police have issued an urgent advisory for residents and visitors:
- The “Out of Sight” Rule: Never leave bags, laptops, or even empty cartons on the seats. If a thief sees a bag, they assume it’s a jackpot. Lock them in the boot (trunk) before you arrive at your destination.
- The Spotlight Strategy: Always prioritize parking directly under a streetlamp or in the direct line of sight of a visible CCTV camera.
- The Double-Check: Before walking away, physically check that all windows are fully rolled up. Even a tiny gap makes the glass easier to shatter.
The Hiranandani community is currently on high alert. If you saw anything suspicious near you, please contact the Powai Police Station (25702690) immediately.
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