Thief in Priest’s Robes Steals Crore-Worth Gold at Red Fort

A golden kalash and other precious valuables worth approximately Rs 1.5 crore were stolen from a Jain religious event at the Red Fort’s 15 August Park during the Daslakshan Mahaparv on Wednesday. The thief, disguised as a Jain priest, was captured on CCTV footage making off with a bag believed to contain the stolen items, exposing a major security lapse at the iconic heritage site.

The stolen items, owned by businessman Sudhir Jain, included a 760-gram golden jhari (urn), a gold coconut, and a smaller 115-gram jhari adorned with diamonds, emeralds, and rubies, according to the First Information Report (FIR). These valuables were brought daily to the 10-day religious event for rituals, a practice that made them a target for the audacious theft. Delhi Police have identified the suspect and assured his imminent arrest, though the incident has raised serious questions about security arrangements at the heavily guarded Red Fort premises.

The theft occurred amidst heightened activity on Tuesday, when VIP arrangements, including a visit by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, created a chaotic environment at the event. Organizers reported that the valuables were discovered missing shortly after the VIPs departed. Puneet Jain, a relative of Sudhir Jain, alleged that the suspect had previously attempted similar thefts at three temples, suggesting a pattern of targeting religious gatherings. “The theft was reported only after Mr. Birla left, as the focus was on managing the VIP arrangements,” Puneet Jain told authorities.

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CCTV footage has become a critical piece of evidence, clearly showing the suspect, dressed in traditional Jain priest attire, slipping away with the bag. The incident has sparked outrage among the Jain community and event organizers, who are demanding stricter security measures and accountability for the lapse. The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of national pride, is now under scrutiny as authorities work to recover the stolen items and prevent future breaches.

As the investigation intensifies, police are analyzing additional footage and interviewing witnesses to piece together the sequence of events. The theft has not only caused a financial loss but also shaken the trust of devotees attending the Daslakshan Mahaparv, a significant religious observance for the Jain community. Authorities have promised swift action, but the incident underscores the need for enhanced vigilance at cultural and religious events held at high-profile venues.

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