Hired 20 Days Ago, Domestic Help Steal Rs 18 Crore Jewellery From Bengaluru Home

Last Updated:January 28, 2026, 11:26 IST

Stolen items include 11.5 kg of gold and diamond jewellery, about 5 kg of silver and Rs 11.5 lakh in cash. The total value of theft is estimated to be approximately Rs 18.45 crore

Police believe the suspects may have fled Bengaluru soon after the theft and could be attempting to leave the state or move towards the Nepal border. Image: AI generated

Police in Bengaluru are investigating a high-value residential theft after gold, diamond jewellery and cash worth several crores were reported stolen from a private residence. The incident took place while the homeowners were away for a few hours, prompting the Marathahalli police to launch a multi-team manhunt to trace the suspects.

The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Shimant S Jain, a businessman and builder residing in Yamalur, which falls under the Marathahalli police station limits. According to police, the incident occurred on January 25.

Jain and his family reportedly left their residence at around 9 am to attend a private religious ceremony (Bhoomi Pooja) at a relative’s house in H Cross. At the time, only domestic staff were present inside the house.

Call That Raised Alarm

At approximately 12:30 pm, Jain received a phone call from the cook, Ambika, who informed him that two domestic workers employed at the house had suddenly disappeared. Sensing something amiss, the family immediately returned home.

On reaching the residence, they found that multiple lockers on both the ground floor and first floor had been broken open. Jewellery and cash stored inside were missing, following which the police were alerted.

Police officials said the stolen items include around 11.5 kg of gold and diamond jewellery, about 5 kg of silver articles, and nearly Rs 11.5 lakh in cash. The total value of the stolen property has been estimated at approximately Rs 18.45 crore, making it one of the most significant residential thefts reported in Bengaluru in recent times.

Investigators are currently verifying detailed inventory lists provided by the family to confirm the exact quantity and value of the missing items.

Suspects Joined Work Only Weeks Ago

The accused have been identified as Dinesh and his wife Kamala, both Nepalese nationals. Police said the couple had joined work as domestic helpers at the Jain residence barely 20 days before the theft.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the couple may have closely observed the household routine, including the family’s movements and the placement of lockers. Police are probing whether the accused cut off the power supply and disabled CCTV cameras before carrying out the theft, indicating a planned operation rather than a spontaneous act.

Police Launch Manhunt

A case has been registered at the Marathahalli police station, and multiple special teams have been formed to track down the accused. CCTV footage from nearby roads, residential layouts, and exit points is being examined.

Police believe the suspects may have fled Bengaluru soon after the theft and could be attempting to leave the state or move towards the Nepal border. Alerts have been issued to railway stations, bus terminals, and other transit points across Karnataka.

Advisory Issued to Residents

Following the incident, police have reiterated the importance of mandatory police verification of domestic workers. Officials have urged residents to verify identity documents, background details, and references, especially while hiring workers from other states or countries.

The case has sparked renewed concern among residents about household security and hiring practices. With many urban families depending heavily on domestic help, police officials say the incident underscores the risks of skipping proper verification procedures.

Investigations are ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge once the accused are traced and questioned.

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