Bengaluru Real Estate MD Accuses Former Driver of Major Gold Theft
In a startling case from Bengaluru, the managing director of a prominent private real estate firm has formally accused his former driver of absconding with a substantial cache of gold ornaments weighing approximately 1.5 kilograms. The alleged theft occurred from a secure office locker last year, with the complaint being filed only recently after an eight-month wait.
Details of the Alleged Theft and Access
According to the official complaint lodged by Dr. Sreetharan Murthy, the managing director of Achintyaah Projects Pvt. Ltd., the incident revolves around his driver, identified as Rajesh P. Rajesh had been employed as Dr. Murthy's personal driver since 2023 and, crucially, enjoyed unrestricted access to the company's office premises located on Residency Road in Bengaluru.
Investigations reveal that Rajesh possessed detailed knowledge of the office's security protocols. He had access to the customized access control system installed on the door to Dr. Murthy's private cabin and, most significantly, was aware of the password to the locker situated inside that very chamber.
Timeline of Events and Discovery
The sequence of events began on August 20 of last year. On that day, Rajesh abruptly left the workplace without providing any notice to Dr. Murthy or other staff members. Subsequent attempts by Dr. Murthy to contact the driver via his mobile phone proved futile, as the phone was found to be switched off and remained unreachable.
Dr. Murthy had been away in Delhi on official business during this period. Upon his return to Bengaluru, he made a shocking discovery: gold ornaments with an estimated total weight of 1,500 grams were missing from his chamber locker. The stolen items reportedly included valuable pieces such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other assorted jewelry.
Suspicion and Police Action
Suspicion immediately fell upon the absent driver, Rajesh, given his unique combination of physical access to the premises and intimate knowledge of the security systems. Despite Dr. Murthy's efforts to establish contact, the accused individual failed to respond or return the allegedly stolen property.
Faced with no other recourse, Dr. Murthy approached the Bengaluru police after a wait of nearly eight months, hoping Rajesh would voluntarily return the gold. A formal case has now been registered under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically Section 306, which deals with theft committed by a clerk or servant of property in the possession of their master.
The case highlights significant concerns regarding internal security and trust within professional settings, especially when employees are granted extensive access to sensitive areas and assets.
