2 arrested in Rs 1.2 crore gold theft at Belagavi doctor couple's house

Belagavi: Belagavi police on Saturday arrested two people in connection with the alleged theft of gold ornaments worth Rs 1.2 crore from the residence of an elderly doctor couple in the city.

According to reports, the accused have been identified as Rahul Satish Kamble and Babasab Eerappa Katageri, they said.

Officials said 350 grams of gold ornaments valued at Rs 52.5 lakh were recovered, while Rs 22.8 lakh was deposited in a bank account, taking the total recovery to Rs 75.3 lakh.

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According to police, the complaint was lodged on May 11 by the doctor, a resident of Club Road in Belagavi, after 930 grams of gold ornaments went missing from the house. As there were no signs of forced entry or damage to the locker, suspicion initially fell on individuals working within the household, news agency PTI reported.

Addressing a press conference, Police Commissioner Borase Bhushan Gulabrao said the prime accused had joined the family as a caretaker in December to look after the doctor, who had been bedridden due to illness. The couple’s son, also a doctor, lives elsewhere, prompting the family to appoint a caretaker.

He said the accused allegedly stole the ornaments gradually over a period of nearly three months before fleeing.

"During the investigation, police found that the old locker in the house appeared to be locked when shut, but could actually be opened with force. The accused reportedly exploited this flaw to commit the theft," the commissioner said, reports PTI.

Police further said that the prime accused attempted to dispose of the stolen jewellery with the help of co-accused Babasab Katageri.

A special investigation team was constituted, and the team successfully tracked down and arrested both accused.

Officials said efforts are underway to recover the remaining stolen ornaments.

The Police Commissioner also advised the public to store valuable jewellery in bank lockers, ensure that home lockers are functioning properly, and install burglar alarm systems to enhance security.

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