Goshamahal police arrested a 37-year-old man and recovered stolen cash, gold and silver ornaments within 24 hours of a house burglary reported in the area.

The accused was identified as Dontula Rajesh, a resident of Multanipura in Begum Bazaar. Police said he worked as a grocery shop owner and auto driver.

The case came into light following a complaint by D. Mahesh, who stated that he and his family attended a function on May 10 after locking their house. When they returned shortly after midnight on May 11, they found the doors of the second and third floors broken open, almirahs ransacked and household articles scattered.

Police said cash worth ₹5 lakh along with gold and silver ornaments had been stolen from the house.

During investigation, police found that the accused was the complainant’s cousin and lived in a neighbouring house. Officials said Rajesh had been facing financial difficulties after borrowing money through online loan applications, and from acquaintances.

Police said the accused had noticed the complainant’s wife wearing heavy jewellery during a family function and planned the theft after observing the family’s movements.

On May 10, after learning that the family had gone to attend a function at Langer Houz, the accused allegedly entered a neighbouring house under the pretext of delivering a milk packet. From there, he climbed onto the terrace and entered the complainant’s building.

Police said he first broke open the lock of a second-floor portion belonging to the complainant’s younger brother but found nothing valuable. He then allegedly entered the complainant’s third-floor residence using a screwdriver to break the lock, opened the almirah and locker, and stole cash, gold and silver ornaments before hiding them at his residence and resuming his routine activities.

The recovered property includes ₹5 lakh in cash, around 30 tolas of gold ornaments, 1.62 kilograms of silver articles and other valuables, including a watch.