Domestic help couple decamps with valuables worth ₹18 crore from builder’s house in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: In a sensational burglary, a couple employed as domestic help allegedly stole valuables worth nearly ₹18 crore from a builder’s residence in Marathahalli and fled. The incident occurred at the house of builder Shivakumar in Yamalur and came to light with a delay, police said on Tuesday.

According to preliminary investigations, the accused — identified as Dinesh and Kamala — had joined work at the house barely 20 days ago. They were hired as housekeeping staff through intermediaries identified as Vikas and Maya Vishnu.

Police said the couple took advantage of the absence of family members and executed the theft on January 25. Investigators revealed that the accused broke open lockers located in bedrooms on the ground floor and first floor using iron rods.

They allegedly decamped with around 11.5 kg of gold and diamond jewellery, 5 kg of silver articles and ₹11.5 lakh in cash. The total value of the stolen items is estimated to be around ₹18 crore. The theft came to light when other household staff noticed the broken lockers and alerted the family members over phone.

When the family rushed back and verified the premises, they found multiple lockers forcibly opened and valuables missing. A complaint was subsequently lodged at the Marathahalli police station.

Police officials said the accused couple went missing immediately after the incident and their mobile phones have been switched off. “The manner in which the theft was carried out suggests prior observation and planning. We are investigating whether the accused had any external assistance or links to organised gangs,” a senior police officer said.

Teams have been formed to track the movement of the accused using CCTV footage from nearby roads, railway stations and bus terminals. The role of the intermediaries who facilitated the couple’s employment is also under scrutiny. Police are verifying whether proper background checks were conducted before hiring the domestic staff.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further investigation is underway. The incident has once again raised concerns over the lack of verification of domestic help in high-value households in Bengaluru, with police urging residents to ensure thorough background checks before employment.

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