In a brazen act of theft that has shocked the city's racing and social circles, a staggering collection of 60 prestigious Derby trophies was stolen from the residence of a prominent Mumbai club owner. The Matunga police have registered a case and have booked the domestic help in connection with the audacious crime, which came to light earlier this week.
The Valuable Haul Goes Missing
The complainant, identified as Narendra Churi, is the owner of the well-known Matunga Gymkhana Club. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the theft occurred at his bungalow located on Bhaudaji Road in Matunga. The stolen items are not ordinary awards; they are highly valuable and historically significant trophies associated with the sport of horse racing, specifically from Derby events.
Churi discovered the massive loss on Monday, April 28, when he realized his prized collection was gone. The trophies, symbols of immense prestige in the racing world, were reportedly stored securely within his home. The police investigation was immediately set into motion following his complaint.
Domestic Help Under Scanner
Preliminary investigative work by the Matunga police has pointed suspicion towards a person who had intimate access to the household. The authorities have officially booked the domestic help employed at the Churi residence. While the help has been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for theft, the investigation is actively ongoing to trace the whereabouts of the trophies and determine if others were involved in the plot.
The case has been registered under IPC Section 381, which deals specifically with theft by a clerk or servant of property belonging to their employer. This suggests the police have reason to believe the theft was an inside job, facilitated by the helper's knowledge and access to the home.
Ongoing Investigation and Recovery Efforts
Currently, the Matunga police are pursuing multiple leads to recover the stolen trophies. The sheer size and distinctive nature of the haul—60 large, ornate Derby trophies—makes it a challenging collection to discreetly sell or hide. Investigators are likely scanning pawn shops, antique dealers, and online marketplaces while also questioning the booked domestic help extensively.
The value of the stolen trophies is believed to be substantial, both in terms of their monetary worth as crafted silverware and their irreplaceable sentimental and historical value to the owner and the racing community. Each trophy represents a significant victory and carries a legacy that transcends its material composition.
The Matunga police are continuing their probe to unravel the complete sequence of events, locate the stolen property, and bring all perpetrators to justice. This incident has raised serious concerns about the security of valuable collectibles in private homes, even those with trusted staff.
