Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Police arrested an accused on Friday from Banda, Uttar Pradesh for stealing cash and jewellery from the house of Crime Branch’s police station in-charge Ashok Maravi, Habibganj police said here on Saturday. Officials said that a theft complaint was filed from the residence of the Crime Branch officer.

After his complaint, a team was formed which began investigation. Based on CCTV footage and information from informants, it became clear that the suspect was from outside Bhopal, who was later identified as Rajesh Vajpayee (52). The police, aided by CCTV footage, tracked the accused down and recovered all stolen items.

During police interrogation, he initially gave conflicting answers, but after being shown the footage he admitted to committing theft, the police said. Officials further said that during his escape, the accused first visited Indore with the intention of committing theft but failed. He then moved to Bhopal, staying in night shelters and lodges for two days while scouting targets.

He found Inspector Maravi’s house empty and stole Rs.1.5 lakh in cash and gold and silver jewellery worth Rs.1 lakh.  Police station in-charge Ajay Soni revealed that the accused, previously sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering a relative in a land dispute, was searching for easy targets due to a rod in his leg that restricted his mobility. The accused has been remanded into custody and further investigations are underway.