Bengaluru Domestic Worker Apprehended in High-Value Jewellery Heist from American Couple's Residence
In a significant development, the Bengaluru police have successfully arrested a 29-year-old domestic worker for allegedly stealing gold and diamond jewellery valued at approximately Rs 1 crore from the villa of an American couple. The incident, which has drawn attention due to its international dimensions, culminated in the swift recovery of the entire stolen property.
Details of the Theft and Investigation
The theft occurred on January 19, 2026, at the residence of an American citizen from Texas, who is currently working in Bengaluru alongside her husband. The crime came to light on January 21 when the complainant returned home in the evening and discovered that jewellery kept in a bedroom cupboard locker was missing. Suspecting the domestic help, she immediately filed a complaint at the Jeevan Bheemanagar police station.
The accused, identified as Chandan Roul, a native of West Bengal, had been employed at the villa for the past six months through a domestic help agency, with payments handled directly by the agency. During the investigation, police officers noticed Roul loitering near the villa's security post just hours after the complaint was registered. This suspicious behavior led to his apprehension on the same day.
Confession and Recovery of Stolen Items
Upon interrogation, Chandan Roul confessed to the theft. Based on his disclosure, the police conducted a search at his residence in Sudhamanagar, where they recovered 176 grams of gold and diamond jewellery along with Rs 39,000 in cash. The police confirmed that all stolen items were recovered intact, highlighting the efficiency of their operation.
Investigators revealed that Roul had planned to return to his native place within a week and intended to sell the stolen jewellery outside Karnataka to avoid detection. In a bid to maintain a facade of normalcy, he continued reporting to work even after committing the theft, a strategy that ultimately failed due to vigilant police work.
International Coordination and Legal Proceedings
The case involved notable international coordination, as the United States Embassy formally communicated the complaint to M A Saleem, the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG-IGP) of Karnataka. This step was taken to ensure immediate action, especially since the complainant's husband was in the United States at the time of the theft.
Chandan Roul was produced before a court on January 22, 2026, and remanded to judicial custody. The police have stated that he has no previous criminal record, adding a layer of complexity to the motives behind the crime.
Implications and Broader Context
This incident underscores the vulnerabilities in domestic employment arrangements and the importance of robust security measures in residential properties. It also highlights the effective collaboration between local law enforcement and international entities in addressing cross-border criminal activities.
The Bengaluru police's prompt response and successful resolution of this high-value theft case serve as a reminder of the critical role of community vigilance and professional investigative techniques in maintaining public safety.
