Vidhana Soudha Employee Arrested for Alleged Theft from Karnataka Minister's Office
In a shocking incident at one of Karnataka's most secure government complexes, a Vidhana Soudha employee has been arrested for allegedly stealing a bag containing approximately 300 grams of gold jewellery and Rs 1.5 lakh in cash from the office of Karnataka Urban Development and Town Planning Minister Byrathi Suresh. The Bengaluru police took swift action following a complaint filed on Tuesday, leading to the detention of the accused staff member.
CCTV Footage Reveals Alleged Theft by Watch-and-Ward Staff
The complaint was lodged by Naveen, a person with disability who had visited the minister's office and inadvertently left his handbag behind on the premises. According to police reports, Naveen only realized the bag was missing after returning home and came back the following day to search for it. When he could not locate the bag, he filed a formal complaint with the Vidhana Soudha police station.
During the preliminary investigation, officers meticulously examined CCTV footage from within the high-security Vidhana Soudha premises. The footage allegedly showed Antony, a watch-and-ward staff member posted at the complex, picking up the unattended handbag from the office area and leaving with it. Based on this evidence, Antony was promptly detained and taken into custody. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to the theft, admitting his involvement in the crime.
Partial Recovery of Stolen Valuables and Security Concerns
Police officials have confirmed that while a portion of the stolen gold and cash has been recovered, efforts are actively underway to trace the remaining valuables. Sources close to the investigation have indicated that the bag may not have undergone strict scrutiny at the security checkpoint while entering the premises. They added that since the complainant is a person with disability, the security screening process might not have been as thorough as required, potentially contributing to the lapse.
The police have registered a theft case and are continuing their investigation to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine whether others were involved in the incident. This case has raised significant concerns about possible security lapses and internal monitoring at Vidhana Soudha, which is considered one of the state's most fortified government complexes. The incident underscores the need for enhanced vigilance and stricter protocols to prevent such breaches in the future.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are focusing on ensuring accountability and strengthening security measures to safeguard against similar occurrences. The arrest highlights the importance of robust surveillance and employee integrity in maintaining the sanctity of government institutions.
