In a remarkable incident highlighting trust and betrayal, an 83-year-old resident of Kolkata undertook a solitary and arduous journey across the city to confront her long-time domestic help over a alleged theft. The elderly woman, Bakul Deb Chowdhury, traveled approximately 50 kilometers from her Bansdroni home in a bid to extract a confession for a theft worth Rs 3.5 lakh.
The Solitary Quest for a Confession
Bakul Deb Chowdhury, a resident of Niva Park in Bansdroni, rarely steps out due to her advanced age. However, in December, driven by a desire for closure, she embarked on an unexpected mission. Her target was Hasi Mondal, her maid of more than two decades, whom she accused of stealing cash and household items from her residence in November last year.
The octogenarian's journey was complex. She first took an auto from Bansdroni to Garia, then boarded a local train to Canning, and finally hired another auto to reach Mondal's residence. Chowdhury's hope was simple: that her maid would accept the crime and show repentance, potentially avoiding police involvement.
Betrayal and the Police Complaint
However, the confrontation did not go as planned. Hasi Mondal did not confess and instead sent Chowdhury back home. The elderly woman waited for several days, hoping for a change of heart. When none came, she was forced to take formal action.
On January 4, Bakul Deb Chowdhury filed a formal complaint with the Bansdroni police. In her statement, she detailed how Mondal had left around November 30, taking the original keys to the almirahs and leaving behind duplicates. Chowdhury expressed her difficulty in believing her long-time helper could be involved, stating she tried to contact her multiple times to no avail.
"I had difficulty believing Mondal could be involved and tried to contact her multiple times. But she never returned, forcing me to lodge an FIR," Chowdhury told authorities. She emphasized that no one else had visited the house during the period in question.
Police Action and a Warning for Citizens
Following the complaint, Bansdroni police arrested Hasi Mondal and are currently questioning her to recover the stolen items. An investigating officer revealed a poignant detail, stating, "The accused maid is telling us that perhaps accepting the crime to Chowdhury and seeking repentance from her might have saved her from the police."
The case has prompted Kolkata Police to issue an advisory. A senior officer highlighted the need for constant vigilance, even with trusted, long-serving domestic help. The officer recommended a few simple safety measures for all households:
- Always lock almirahs and secure valuables.
- Ensure domestic help undergoes proper police verification.
- Avoid discussing financial matters or displaying large sums of cash in front of help.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that can exist within the employer-domestic help dynamic, urging citizens to balance trust with necessary precautions.
