Bengaluru Businessman Suffers Major Theft as Domestic Help Allegedly Flees with Valuables Worth Rs 23 Lakh
In a shocking incident in Bengaluru, a newly-employed domestic help and cook allegedly absconded with gold ornaments and cash valued at over Rs 23 lakh from a businessman's residence. The accused has been identified as Saroj, a native of Bihar, who had been working at the home for just ten days before the theft occurred.
Details of the Incident and Timeline
According to the complaint filed by Meesha Paruthi, a resident of an apartment in Jakkasandra, the theft took place between 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM on March 1. Paruthi had been searching for domestic assistance as his wife was unwell and contacted a former cook, Ranjith, for help in finding a suitable candidate.
Ranjith reportedly recommended Saroj, assuring the family of her skills in cooking and household work. Saroj had been staying at the Paruthi residence for the past ten days, assisting with various domestic chores and seemingly gaining the family's trust.
Theft Execution and Missing Valuables
On the evening of March 1, at approximately 6:30 PM, Paruthi, along with his wife and son, left the house for dinner, leaving Saroj alone at home. When they returned around 9:30 PM, she was nowhere to be found.
Upon inspecting the house, the family discovered the bedroom and cupboard doors wide open. The accused allegedly stole a significant amount of jewelry, including gold bangles, gold bracelets studded with diamonds, diamond earrings, a gold ring with a diamond, a gold ring with a yellow sapphire, and a gold chain. The total weight of the stolen gold items was about 80 grams, with an estimated value of approximately Rs 20 lakh.
In addition to the gold ornaments, Rs 3 lakh in cash was also reported stolen. Police revealed that the locker key had been kept in a drawer beside the bed, which the accused allegedly accessed before fleeing with the valuables.
Police Response and Investigation
A case has been registered at the Koramangala police station under Section 306 (theft by clerk or servant of property in possession of master) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the matter and are actively pursuing leads to locate the accused.
Officials have reiterated the critical importance of conducting proper background verification of domestic workers. They warned that hiring strangers without police verification can pose serious security risks, potentially leading to such incidents of theft and breach of trust.
Broader Implications and Safety Advice
This incident serves as a stark reminder for households to exercise caution when employing domestic help. Ensuring comprehensive background checks, maintaining secure storage for valuables, and verifying references are essential steps to mitigate risks.
The police are urging residents to report any suspicious activities and to cooperate with verification processes to enhance community safety. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to recover the stolen items and apprehend the suspect.
