Valuables worth ₹26 lakh stolen during renovation at senior citizen's house in Usmanpura

A 70-year-old retired clerk residing in Usmanpura, Ahmedabad has complained to the Vadaj police, alleging that valuables worth over ₹26.4 lakh were stolen from her residence during ongoing renovation work.

The complainant, Nityala Samayal Brahmbhatt, who lives alone at Ishwarkrupa Flats in Modh Champaner Society, stated that the theft likely occurred between March 23 and April 17, while civil and electrical renovation work was being carried out at her home. According to the FIR, the stolen property includes significant quantities of gold and silver ornaments, jewellery, and ₹1 lakh in cash.

Among the stolen items were gold chains, beaded bracelets, four pairs of earrings, a small gold ring, 20 gold biscuits, a 1kg silver bar, silver earrings, pandi chains, and silver coins, with an estimated combined value of ₹25.42 lakh. Additionally, ₹1 lakh in cash was also reportedly taken.

Brahmbhatt said she had placed the jewellery and cash in a double safe in her bedroom on March 16 before the commencement of renovation work. The key to the safe was kept under the mattress in her second bedroom. The renovation, which included carpentry, painting, and electrical work, was carried out by contractors and workers known to the complainant, concluding around April 17.

In her complaint, she alleged that an unknown person accessed her bedroom, retrieved the key from beneath the mattress, and unlocked the safe to carry out the theft. The theft came to light only after the renovation was completed and she inspected her valuables on April 20.

Brahmbhatt added that due to her age and the involvement of trusted individuals in the renovation work, she did not initially suspect any wrongdoing, which contributed to the delay in reporting the theft.

The Vadaj police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for theft and criminal trespass, and further investigation regarding the matter is on.