Key Points:
- Delhi Crime Branch recovers gold urn worth ₹1 crore stolen from Jain religious ceremony at Red Fort complex
- Thief wearing traditional dhoti captured on CCTV stealing precious urn containing 760g gold and 150g gems
- Accused arrested from Hapur, UP reveals theft of three urns total – two still missing
- Stolen urn contained diamonds, emeralds, and rubies used in sacred Jain community rituals
- Police conducting raids to recover remaining two urns and arrest other gang members
New Delhi: Delhi Crime Branch has successfully recovered a precious gold urn worth approximately ₹1 crore that was stolen during a Jain community religious ceremony at the historic Red Fort complex, arresting the main accused from Uttar Pradesh.
Sacred Theft Shocks Jain Community During Festival
The audacious theft occurred during a major Jain community religious event at 15 August Park within the Red Fort complex, sending shockwaves through the organizing committee and devotees. The stolen urn, containing 760 grams of pure gold and 150 grams of precious gemstones including diamonds, emeralds, and rubies, held deep spiritual significance beyond its monetary value.
Organizing committee member Puneet Jain emphasized that the urn represented far more than its material worth, serving as a sacred symbol of faith that had been used in various religious rituals for years. The precious artifact was traditionally placed on a specially designated platform during daily worship services, with access restricted to authorized personnel wearing traditional attire.
CCTV Footage Reveals Calculated Criminal Act
The breakthrough in the case came through careful analysis of security camera footage from the religious venue. The recordings clearly captured a man dressed in traditional dhoti deliberately approaching the worship area and skillfully placing the valuable urn into his bag before making his escape.
The perpetrator’s choice to wear traditional religious attire appears to have been a calculated move to blend in with legitimate devotees and avoid suspicion during the ceremony. His methodical approach and timing suggest careful planning and reconnaissance of the religious event’s security arrangements.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest in Hapur
Based on the CCTV evidence, Delhi Crime Branch officers quickly identified and tracked down the accused to his hideout in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. The rapid response and investigation work by the Crime Branch demonstrates effective inter-state coordination in pursuing the theft case.
The arrest came as a relief to the Jain community, which had been deeply disturbed by the violation of their sacred space and the theft of such an important religious artifact. Community leaders had immediately cooperated with authorities to ensure a thorough investigation could be conducted.
Revelation of Larger Criminal Conspiracy
Police interrogation of the arrested accused has unveiled a more extensive criminal operation than initially suspected. The suspect confessed to stealing not one, but three precious urns during the religious ceremony, significantly expanding the scope of the investigation.
While authorities have successfully recovered one urn, two valuable artifacts remain missing, prompting ongoing raids and searches across multiple locations. The revelation has transformed what appeared to be an isolated incident into a coordinated theft operation requiring expanded investigative resources.
Ongoing Investigation to Dismantle Criminal Network
Delhi Police are actively pursuing leads to identify and arrest additional gang members involved in the elaborate theft scheme. The investigation has revealed evidence suggesting a well-organized criminal network with specific knowledge of religious ceremonies and valuable artifacts.
Authorities are conducting systematic raids across Delhi and neighboring states to recover the remaining two stolen urns and apprehend other conspirators. The case has become a priority for the Crime Branch given its impact on religious community sentiment and the significant value of the stolen items.
Enhanced Security Measures for Religious Events
The incident has prompted discussions about strengthening security protocols for major religious gatherings at historical venues like the Red Fort complex. Religious community leaders are working with authorities to implement additional safeguards without compromising the accessibility and sanctity of worship practices.
The successful recovery of one urn and the swift arrest demonstrate effective police work, but the ongoing search for the remaining artifacts and suspects keeps the case active. The Jain community continues to cooperate fully with investigators while maintaining their religious activities under enhanced security arrangements.
Community Impact and Religious Significance
The theft represents more than a financial loss for the Jain community, striking at the heart of their religious practices and sense of security during worship. The recovered urn’s return has provided some comfort to devotees, though complete resolution awaits the recovery of all stolen items.
Religious leaders have expressed gratitude for the police response while emphasizing the need for continued vigilance to protect sacred artifacts during public ceremonies. The case highlights the vulnerability of valuable religious items during large gatherings and the importance of balancing accessibility with security.
