Man held for stealing employer’s valuables worth Rs 89 lakh in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: A 40-year-old manager was arrested in Jayanagar for allegedly stealing gold ornaments and cash from his employer’s house continuously for over eight years.

The accused, Karthik, had been working as a business manager for the complainant for two decades. The owner had an office set up within his residence in Jayanagar 8th Block.

The theft came to light on July 26 when the complainant discovered that gold and Rs 9 lakh cash kept in a cupboard were missing and suspected his long-time employee.

Following the complaint, a case of theft was registered at the Jayanagar police station. On July 28, the police apprehended the manager from the same premises and seized Rs 7,100 in cash and a duplicate cupboard key from him. During the initial interrogation, he confessed to the crime.

The police said further investigation revealed that about eight years ago, the accused had secretly made a duplicate of the cupboard key to repay large personal loans. He would steal valuables whenever the family was away. The stolen gold ornaments were then pledged and sold at a jewellery shop in Thyagarajanagar and at a finance firm. With the money, he had purchased silver articles.

Between July 31 and August 2, based on the manager’s information, police recovered 1 kg 40 g of gold ornaments from the jewellery shop and finance company. Additionally, 1 kg of silver articles was seized from his residence. The total value of the seized items is estimated to be Rs 89.09 lakh.

The accused was then produced before the court on July 29 and remanded to eight days of police custody. On August 5, he was moved to judicial custody.