Actor Poonam Dhillon was left shocked on Sunday after discovering a burglary at her Khar, Mumbai flat. The thief, who stole diamond earrings, Rs. 35,000 in cash, and $500, was apprehended on January 6. Speaking about the incident, the 62-year-old reveals that the crime was committed by a construction worker employed to paint the house.

“None of us were at home when this happened. There was some construction work going on, and the staff was looking after it. We quickly realized that a theft had occurred and reported the matter,” Dhillon shares.

While Dhillon resides in Juhu, Mumbai, her son, actor Anmol Dhillon, occasionally stays at the Khar flat. She explained that house staff were overseeing the construction work when the incident took place. “This person was working at our house as part of the construction process and had probably planned it. Three workers were present, and when my son returned, he noticed that valuables were missing and immediately took action,” Dhillon says, adding, “We reported the matter right away. Otherwise, the items could have been sold.”

The incident left the actor unsettled. “It’s a shock to know that someone entered your house and stole your belongings. One does feel scared. I’m surprised this happened despite people supervising the construction process,” she admits.

The culprit, identified as 37-year-old Sameer Ansari from Malvani in Malad West, had been working at the apartment between December 28 and January 5. Investigations revealed that he took advantage of an unlocked cupboard. Ansari reportedly spent Rs. 9,000 on a party with friends before being apprehended.

The police recovered Rs. 25,000 in cash, $500, and the stolen diamond earrings, as confirmed in an official statement.