US Citizen Files Police Complaint Over Alleged Theft of Valuables Worth Crores from Checked Baggage
A 62-year-old woman, who is a United States citizen, has formally lodged a police complaint in Bengaluru, alleging that gold and diamond ornaments, cash, and medicines were stolen from her checked-in baggage during her journey from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru to Abu Dhabi in November 2025. The incident has raised serious concerns about baggage security and passenger safety at airports.
Details of the Alleged Theft and the Complainant's Background
According to the complaint filed with the KIA police on January 31, the woman, identified as Shanta Ramesh Kashinkunti, is a resident of Hubballi and a US citizen who returned to India approximately five years ago. She frequently travels to the United States, as her children reside there. In August of last year, she arrived in Hubballi and subsequently booked a flight to Abu Dhabi through the travel platform CheapOair for travel on November 15, 2025.
Shanta alleged that she carried a significant amount of valuables in her bag, including around 790 grams of gold ornaments, diamond jewelry valued at approximately Rs 8 lakh, medicines worth Rs 20,000, and $200 in cash. She intended to fly from Abu Dhabi to the United States, making the baggage a crucial part of her travel plans.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Discovery of the Theft
At Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Shanta reported feeling giddy due to her diabetic condition. In this state, she handed over her baggage to airline staff for check-in. After landing in Abu Dhabi and collecting her baggage, she immediately noticed that it felt unusually light. Upon thorough inspection, she discovered that the valuable items were missing from the bag.
Following this distressing discovery, Shanta promptly lodged a complaint with the authorities at Abu Dhabi airport and contacted Akasa Airlines customer service. Both entities advised her to file a formal complaint in Bengaluru, where her journey originated. She proceeded with her travel plans, flying from Abu Dhabi to the United States before returning to Bengaluru on January 7.
Police Complaint Filed with Supporting Documentation
Upon her return, Shanta consulted with friends and relatives, who emphasized the necessity of producing bills for the stolen ornaments, as their total value is estimated to be close to Rs 2 crore. Acting on this advice, she visited the jewellers from whom she had originally purchased the ornaments to obtain the required documentation.
On January 31, Shanta filed a detailed complaint with the KIA police, submitting the bills along with her statement. This step marks a formal investigation into the alleged theft, highlighting the challenges passengers face in securing their belongings during air travel.
The case underscores ongoing issues related to baggage handling and security protocols at airports, prompting calls for enhanced measures to protect passenger property. Authorities are now investigating the matter to determine the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the valuables.
