In a bizarre incident that blends audacious theft with social media bravado, a fired domestic servant in Surat allegedly stole his elderly employer's licensed revolver and ammunition, only to proudly showcase the weapon in an Instagram reel set to a Bhojpuri tune. What began as a cheeky post quickly triggered a serious police investigation, sending officers on a chase that crossed state lines.
The Theft and the Dismissal
The case revolves around Manu Mangukiya, a 70-year-old diamond businessman and builder residing in the Celestial Dreams society. According to a complaint filed at the Althan police station, Mangukiya had hired Praveen Kumar, a 22-year-old from Bhagalpur, Bihar, on October 17 as a temporary replacement for his regular servant who was on leave.
After working for a couple of months, Kumar's tenure came to an abrupt end. He was allegedly caught red-handed stealing Rs 8,000 from the house on December 20 and was formally dismissed from his job two days later, on December 22.
The Instagram Reel That Gave It Away
Following Kumar's dismissal, Mangukiya made a shocking discovery. A Smith & Wesson revolver, which he had purchased back in 2011 for Rs 50,000 along with 16 rounds of ammunition, was missing from his cupboard. Upon inquiring with another servant, Vimal Babu alias Rama, he learned the firearm was last seen on December 15.
Suspecting the recently fired Kumar, Mangukiya took to social media. His suspicion was confirmed when he scrolled through Instagram and stumbled upon a reel posted by Kumar. The video blatantly displayed Mangukiya's missing revolver and ammunition, flaunting the stolen goods with a Bhojpuri soundtrack.
Police Investigation and Interstate Chase
Mangukiya immediately approached the Althan police with the evidence. The police investigation revealed that Praveen Kumar had fled Surat and was traced to West Bengal, allegedly with the firearm still in his possession. An operation is underway to apprehend him.
In a significant twist, the authorities indicated they might also investigate Manu Mangukiya's handling and storage of the licensed revolver. Police are looking into whether the proper protocols were followed, including if the servant's details were duly submitted to them as required by regulations governing the possession of such weapons.
The incident serves as a stark warning about the perils of social media oversharing for criminals and highlights serious questions about the security of licensed firearms in private hands.
