Burglary at ex-cricketer Azharuddin’s Lonavala bungalow; Rs 50,000 cash & television stolen, property damaged

A case of burglary has been reported at a Lonavala bungalow owned by Sangeeta Bijlani, wife of former Indian cricketer and Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin.

The incident took place at their property in Tikona Peth, Maval Taluka, Pune district, sometime between March 7 and July 18, 2025, according to Pune Rural Police.

Police officials said unidentified intruders broke into the bungalow by cutting through the wire mesh of the rear compound wall. They then climbed up to the first-floor gallery, pried open the window grill, and entered the house.

The burglars allegedly stole ₹50,000 in cash and a television set worth ₹7,000, making the total estimated loss ₹57,000. In addition to the theft, the miscreants vandalised property inside the house, pointing to intentional damage.

FIR registered; investigation underway

The complaint was filed by Mohammad Mujib Khan, a 54-year-old personal assistant to Azharuddin and a resident of Sambhajinagar. He reported that the bungalow had remained unoccupied during the period of the suspected break-in.

Based on his complaint, Lonavala Rural Police registered an FIR on July 19 under BNS Sections 331(3), 331(4), 305(a), 324(4), and 324(5) against unknown persons.

No stolen property has been recovered yet. Authorities are currently inspecting the scene, reviewing possible CCTV footage, and collecting forensic evidence to trace the perpetrators.

Further updates are awaited as the investigation continues.

(With PTI inputs)