New Delhi: Instagram influencer Mubeena, a resident of Bhajanamadam in Chithara, Kollam, has been arrested by the Kerala Police for alleged thefts carried out to sustain a luxurious lifestyle and to purchase an expensive mobile phone. The 26-year-old influencer reportedly committed multiple thefts at the homes of her relatives and friends.
According to the police investigation, CCTV footage played a key role in identifying Mubeena as the perpetrator. The first incident occurred on December 14 of last year, when seven sovereigns of gold ornaments went missing from her friend’s home. At the time, however, police could not conclusively prove Mubeena’s involvement.
Theft at relatives’ house
However, last month, on September 30, another incident took place at her relative’s home in Kummil Kizhunnila. Mubeena allegedly stole about ten sovereigns of gold, including necklaces and children’s jewellery, from the wardrobe of her sister-in-law, Muneera. It was only after a considerable delay that the family realised the ornaments were missing. Upon reviewing CCTV footage, Mubeena was identified, leading to her arrest.
During questioning, Mubeena reportedly confessed to both thefts. Police revealed that she had sold six sovereigns of the stolen gold at a jewellery shop in Thiruvananthapuram. Mubeena’s husband, an auto-rickshaw driver, had recently left to work abroad, leaving her in financial need.
A desire for lavish lifestyle
The police said that the motive behind the thefts was Mubeena’s desire for a lavish lifestyle, including the purchase of a high-end mobile phone valued at over Rs 100,000. Mubeena had gained a significant following on Instagram, where she went viral with her videos, attracting numerous admirers. The court has remanded the accused for further legal proceedings.
