Cash and Gold Worth ₹1.5 Lakh Stolen from Minister’s Chamber at Vidhana Soudha; Security Under Scanner
Bengaluru : In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns over security arrangements at Karnataka’s seat of power, a bag containing ₹1.5 lakh in cash and gold jewellery was reportedly stolen from the chamber of Congress minister Byrathi Suresh at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
According to reports, the bag belonged to a visitor identified as Naveen, who had come to the Secretariat in connection with official work. The bag allegedly contained ₹1.5 lakh in cash and approximately 300 grams of gold jewellery. It is reported that Naveen inadvertently left the bag outside the minister’s office. When he returned the following day to retrieve it, the bag was missing.
A complaint was subsequently filed at the Vidhana Soudha police station. Following the complaint, authorities examined CCTV footage from the premises. During the investigation, a Group-D staff member from the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) was allegedly seen picking up the unattended bag. The accused has reportedly been taken into custody for questioning.
Police sources indicate that the incident occurred late at night on February 4, and the complaint was registered on February 5. Authorities are also examining how such a significant amount of cash and gold was brought into the high-security Secretariat complex, as regulations reportedly restrict visitors from carrying large sums of cash or valuables inside the premises.
The incident has sparked debate over security protocols within the Vidhana Soudha, one of the most secure government buildings in the state. Questions are being raised about surveillance effectiveness, screening procedures, and internal monitoring systems.
Further investigation is underway, and officials have assured that appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings.
