In a shocking incident, a domestic worker in Bengaluru stole cash and valuables worth over INR 60 lakh from her employer’s home over six months. According to a report by Times of India, her prolonged theft went undetected until her employer, Vikram Vaidyanathan, returned from France and discovered the extensive theft. The worker’s luck finally ran out when Vaidyanathan found his wardrobe had been thoroughly looted, with only a single mangalya chain left behind, leading to her eventual exposure and capture.
Vikram Vaidyanathan, Managing Director of Matrix Partners India, reported a theft at his residence to the police, prompting an investigation. The inquiry led to the identification of the prime suspect, Divya G, a 22-year-old domestic worker employed by Vaidyanathan’s family.
Divya had been working at the Vaidyanathan residence in Bengaluru and had access to the room of Vikram’s wife, Priya. She was one of seven employees working for the family, making her position a trusted one.
The police arrested Divya, her aunt Manju, and an accomplice named Johan in connection with the theft. The investigation revealed that the trio had stolen cash and valuables worth over INR 60 lakh from Vaidyanathan’s home over a period of six months, bringing an end to their prolonged theft spree. The police investigation led them to suspect a female thief, as the only item left behind was a mangalya chain.
On June 27, Vikram Vaidyanathan’s family embarked on a holiday to France, returning to Bengaluru on July 13. Upon their return, Priya discovered that her wardrobe locker had been emptied of all her valuable diamond and gold jewelry, as well as cash.
Vikram Vaidyanathan promptly filed a police complaint, suspecting all seven domestic workers of the theft. When the police visited the residence to investigate, they noticed that the mangalya chain had been left behind, leading them to deduce that the thief was likely a woman.
During the investigation, Divya’s behavior raised suspicions when the police visited the crime scene. Her actions, combined with the earlier deduction, led the police to focus their attention on her.
The police investigation led to the questioning of all employees at the Vaidyanathan residence. On July 17, Divya was detained and confessed to the thefts, revealing a methodical approach where she stole small amounts daily, taking one or two ornaments and a little cash each day over a period of six months.
The extent of the theft is still unclear, but Vikram Vaidyanathan estimated that the stolen ornaments alone were worth between INR 50 to 60 lakh. Divya’s confession confirmed her involvement, and she was arrested along with her aunt Manju and an accomplice, Johan, bringing an end to the prolonged theft spree.
Divya confessed that she would pass the stolen ornaments to her aunt Manju, who would then hand them over to her friend Johan. This was part of a larger scheme, where Johan would pawn the jewelry at gold finance firms or pawnbrokers, and the trio would divide the proceeds among themselves.
One notable item among the stolen goods was an Omega wristwatch worth ₹6 lakh, belonging to Priya. Unlike the other stolen items, Divya chose not to sell the watch. Instead, she kept it for herself and wore it occasionally.
