Meghaninagar police nab vice-principal stealing ₹2 lakh from nursing institute

In a swift and commendable operation, Meghaninagar police on Wednesday arrested a 38-year-old woman, who served as the vice-principal of a nursing college, for stealing ₹2.36 lakh in cash from her own institute. The accused allegedly committed the theft to cover heavy losses incurred through online rummy gaming.

The case, registered at Meghaninagar police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, had initially remained unsolved. However, under the instructions of senior police officials, a special surveillance team was formed to probe the matter.

By examining CCTV footage and conducting ground-level inquiries, they traced and arrested the accused, Suchi Prakashbhai Rai (38), around 12.20 pm on July 23.

Rai, a resident of Shahibaug and a native of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, was working as the vice-principal at Shubham Nursing College. According to police, she had stolen ₹8 lakh from the college over time. CCTV footage from the campus captured her committing the act, wearing a black veil (burkha) as a disguise.

Investigators said that despite earning a monthly salary of ₹47,000, Rai had been addicted to online gaming for the past five to six months and had lost several lakh rupees. In a desperate attempt to recover her losses, she planned and executed the theft within the college premises.

Initially, suspicion arose when college authorities found discrepancies and reviewed the CCTV footage. Police noticed that the suspect, although veiled, had a distinct eyewear frame and visible thumb and toe features, which led them to suspect Rai. Upon intense questioning, she eventually confessed to the crime.

Recovered from her possession

• Cash: ₹2.36 lakh
• A black veil (burkha) suspected to have been used during the theft

Further investigation is ongoing to determine whether the accused was involved in any similar incidents in the past. The case has raised concerns about the growing influence of online gaming addiction and its consequences.