Thief Returns Stolen Items After Learning Victim Is Renowned Marathi Poet

A thief experienced a wave of guilt upon realizing that the house he had burglarized belonged to a notable Marathi poet, leading him to return the stolen items, according to police reports on Tuesday.

The incident took place at the residence of the late Narayan Surve, a celebrated Marathi poet and social activist, in Neral, Raigad district. Surve, who passed away on August 16, 2010, at the age of 84, was renowned for his poetry that vividly portrayed the struggles of the urban working class. His daughter Sujata and her husband, Ganesh Ghare, currently reside in the house.

During a recent trip to visit their son in Virar, the couple left their home locked for ten days. It was during this period that the thief broke in and stole several items, including an LED TV. However, when the thief returned the following day to collect more items, he noticed Surve’s photograph and memorabilia, triggering a deep sense of remorse.

The thief, who appeared to be well-read, decided to return all the stolen goods. He left a note on the wall, expressing his regret and asking for forgiveness for stealing from the home of such a distinguished literary figure. Sujata and her husband discovered the note upon their return from Virar on Sunday, as confirmed by Police Inspector Shivaji Dhavle of the Neral police station.

The police are continuing their investigation, utilizing fingerprints found on the TV and other items to identify the culprit.

Narayan Surve’s life story is one of remarkable resilience. Orphaned and growing up on the streets of Mumbai, he worked various jobs, including domestic help, dishwasher, babysitter, pet caretaker, milk delivery boy, porter, and mill hand, before gaining recognition as a poet. His works celebrated labor and challenged the conventional norms of Marathi literature.