New Delhi: The Crime Branch of Delhi Police have arrested the man accused of stealing a gold urn and other valuables, worth over Rs 1 crore, from the venue of a Jain religious event at the Red Fort. Some of the loot has been recovered and a search is on for the rest.
The police have confirmed that Bhushan Verma was arrested from Hapur in Uttar Pradesh, based on clues gathered from CCTV footage and technical surveillance.
The stolen kalash (urn) was a part of the Jain religious festival Das Lakshan Mahaparv, organised at the 15 August Park located just in front of the iconic Red Fort. The 10-day event, which saw the participation of prominent dignitaries including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, was marred by the theft, raising serious questions about security arrangements at one of the country’s most important and sensitive heritage sites.
CCTV footage revealed that Verma entered the venue disguised as a Jain monk. Amid the ceremonial proceedings and the welcoming of dignitaries, the thief managed to walk away with a bag containing the 760-gram gold kalash, studded with 150 grams of diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, along with other valuables.
The kalash belongs to Delhi-based businessman Sudhir Kumar Jain who said it has been with his family for generations.
“This is from my father’s time. It is around 900 grams in total. You can say it is worth Rs 1 crore in the present day,” he said.
Jain said the incident occurred around 9:26 A.M., when dignitaries, including Om Birla, were on the dais, taking blessings from Jain sants. “Everything is recorded in police logs and CCTV footage,” he added.
Police confirmed that the suspect’s movement was clearly captured on camera, aiding the swift identification and arrest.
The accused will be presented in court soon, and officials are confident that the entire loot will be recovered in the coming days. It is being suspected that Verma has been involved in thefts of valuables from temples as well.