Domestic Help Arrested in Delhi for Allegedly Stealing Rs 86 Lakh in Gold and Cash

A man employed as domestic help has been detained by the Delhi Police for allegedly stealing gold jewellery and cash worth approximately Rs 86 lakh from his employer's residence in South Delhi. The suspect, Nirmal Malik, aged 40 and originally from Balasore in Odisha, took advantage of his employer's absence during a Christmas vacation in Goa last year.

Malik was employed just 12 days before the incident occurred. During the investigation, it was discovered that he had meticulously planned the theft. He conducted a recce and broke into the house's locker with assistance from an accomplice, Dharmendra Dass. Dass was apprehended on March 12, according to police officials.

Police Investigation and Arrests

The theft happened on December 26, 2024, while the employer was away. A PCR call reporting a break-in was received by Defence Colony Police Station. Subsequently, a case under Section 306 theft by servant of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was registered. An acquaintance of the house owner reported that valuables, including gold jewellery and cash, were stolen.

During the investigation, police learned that Malik was hired on December 14, 2024. He went missing after the incident, and his phone was switched off, which raised suspicion. Technical surveillance and call detail record analysis led police to his last known location in Chirag in Delhi. Further leads revealed he had fled to his native village in Odisha.

Recovery of Stolen Items

A police team was dispatched to Balasore, Odisha, where local assistance led to the detention of one of Malik's associates, Dharmendra Dass alias Raja, from Ishwarpur area. Subsequent raids at Malik's native village resulted in the recovery of five gold ear tops, six gold earrings, six gold bangles, one gold ear piece, one gold necklace, one gold bracelet, one motimala, twelve silver items, and cash amounting to Rs 6 lakh from his wife.

Based on her disclosure, more stolen items were recovered from Prabhakar Sahu, a goldsmith who received the stolen jewellery. Police later received information that Malik had moved to Bengaluru, Karnataka. He was working as a cook in a residential society in Peenya. A trap was laid and he was apprehended.

Legal Proceedings

Malik's wife and two accomplices have been bound down in connection with the case. Prabhakar Sahu and Ratiranjan Malik were also bound down under relevant sections of the BNSS for their involvement in selling the stolen valuables.

The case highlights how technical surveillance played a crucial role in tracking down Malik after he fled to Odisha. The collaboration between local authorities and Delhi Police ensured that justice was served efficiently.