Cook Arrested for Theft of Jewellery Worth Rs 40 Lakh from 91-Year-Old in Panchkula
Panchkula Police have arrested a 33-year-old cook, Heena, a resident of Mani Majra, Chandigarh, for allegedly stealing gold and diamond jewellery valued at approximately Rs 40 lakh from the residence of a 91-year-old woman in the Mansa Devi area. The arrest was made on June 20, following a complaint lodged on June 13 by a Chandigarh resident whose mother-in-law lives alone in the house.
According to police, the accused had been employed as a domestic cook and would visit the house daily to prepare meals. The theft came to light when the family noticed the jewellery missing and reported it to the Mansa Devi Police Station, leading to the registration of a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Police Investigation and Recovery of Stolen Jewellery
During the investigation, suspicion fell on Heena, who was frequently present at the house. She was taken into custody on June 20, and during interrogation, she provided crucial information that led to the recovery of the stolen jewellery. Police recovered gold and diamond ornaments worth around Rs 40 lakh from her possession.
The accused was produced before a court on June 21, which granted a two-day police remand. After the remand period, she was remanded to judicial custody on Monday, June 23. Panchkula Police have confirmed that all stolen items have been recovered.
Police Appeal for Domestic Worker Verification
In the wake of this incident, Panchkula Police have appealed to residents to get domestic workers verified before employing them. This case highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals living alone and the importance of background checks for household staff. Police urged citizens to ensure that any domestic help is properly vetted to prevent such crimes.
