Bengaluru Airport Police Investigate Theft of Gold and Diamonds from Elderly Passenger's Luggage
The Bengaluru airport police have launched a detailed investigation into a distressing incident involving the theft of valuable gold and diamond jewellery from the checked-in baggage of an elderly woman during an international flight. In response to a formal complaint, the police have issued official notices to multiple entities, including Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), inline baggage handling staff at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), and Akasa Airlines.
Police Action and Summons Issued
According to authorities, the notices demand the submission of critical evidence such as CCTV footage, inline baggage screening images, and comprehensive details of personnel who managed the complainant's luggage throughout the check-in and transit processes. A police officer stated, "We have summoned Akasa Airlines staff who were on duty during the check-in process on the day the incident occurred and have asked them to appear before the police to record their statements." This step is part of an ongoing effort to pinpoint the exact stage of the theft and identify the culprits.
Complaint Details and Allegations
The case stems from a complaint filed on January 31 by Shanta Ramesh Kashinkunti, a 62-year-old woman originally from Dharwad and currently residing in the United States. Based on her account, the police registered a case under Section 303(2) (theft) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against unknown individuals. Kashinkunti reported that she traveled from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, on November 15, 2025, aboard an Akasa Airlines flight booked via an online travel portal, with a transit stop in Abu Dhabi.
She departed Bengaluru at approximately 9:20 PM after completing all necessary procedures, including check-in, baggage tagging, and security screening. However, upon inspecting her checked-in suitcase at Abu Dhabi International Airport, she discovered that valuable items were missing. The stolen contents included:
- Approximately 790 grams of gold jewellery
- Diamond ornaments valued at around Rs 8 lakh
- Medicines worth Rs 20,000
- $200 in cash
Notably, the suitcase showed no visible signs of damage or tampering, raising concerns about the security protocols in place.
Response and Follow-Up Efforts
Kashinkunti immediately reported the theft to Abu Dhabi airport authorities and contacted Akasa Airlines' customer service. Despite repeated follow-ups, she claimed that no recovery of the stolen items or a clear explanation was provided. After returning to Bengaluru in January, she approached the local police on the advice of her relatives, leading to the current investigation.
The police emphasized that the investigation is actively ongoing, with a focus on determining the precise point of theft and holding those responsible accountable. This incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in airport baggage handling systems and underscores the importance of robust security measures to protect passenger belongings during air travel.
