Karnataka Secretariat Employee Arrested For Theft Of Gold And Cash In Minister's Chamber

A Group D employee at Vidhana Soudha, the Karnataka state secretariat, has been arrested for allegedly stealing a visitor's bag containing approximately 300 grams of gold jewellery and ₹1.5 lakh in cash from the office of Urban Development and Town Planning Minister Byrathi Suresh. The incident occurred earlier this month when a visitor named Naveen left his handbag behind in the minister's office during an official visit. Upon realizing the loss the next day, Naveen returned to search for it but found it missing and subsequently filed a complaint with the Vidhana Soudha police.

Police launched an investigation and reviewed CCTV footage from the premises, which identified the suspect as Antony (also referred to as Anthony Das), a 59-year-old watch-and-ward staff member working under the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR). Antony was detained for questioning, during which he reportedly confessed to the theft. Following his admission, authorities recovered the stolen gold ornaments and cash. A case of theft has been registered against him, and he remains in custody as the probe continues.

The theft has raised serious concerns about security protocols at Vidhana Soudha, a high-security government complex housing the state legislature and ministerial offices. Questions have emerged over how such valuables—far exceeding the permitted cash limit of ₹10,000 for entry—were allowed into the premises without detection during standard checks. The incident has prompted scrutiny of access control, monitoring systems, and visitor screening procedures in one of Karnataka's most guarded administrative buildings.

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Minister Byrathi Suresh's office alerted the police after the complaint was received, facilitating a swift response. The case underscores vulnerabilities in even tightly controlled government environments, where routine oversight may be insufficient against opportunistic crimes. Authorities are examining whether additional lapses contributed to the breach and if stricter measures are needed to prevent similar incidents.

This development has drawn attention from political circles and the public, highlighting the need for enhanced vigilance at state secretariats. Investigations remain ongoing, with no further details released on potential accomplices or motives. The recovered items have been secured, and legal proceedings against the accused are expected to proceed.

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