Varanasi Police Register Case Against Three Women for Alleged Underwear Theft
Police in Varanasi have officially booked three women on charges of theft for allegedly stealing undergarments valued at approximately Rs 10,000 from a shop located in the Chetganj area. The case was confirmed by authorities on Friday, marking a notable incident in the historic city.
Details of the Alleged Theft Incident
According to Chetganj Station House Officer Vijay Kumar Shukla, the shop owner, Sudeep Singh, reported that the theft occurred on February 24. Singh stated that three women visited his shop, and during their visit, when a salesgirl went inside to fetch items, the women allegedly stuffed undergarments worth around Rs 10,000 into their bags. This account was based on the formal complaint lodged by Singh.
The shopkeeper detected the theft during a routine stock verification process, which prompted him to approach the Chetganj police station to file an official complaint. To support his claim, Singh submitted CCTV footage of the incident, providing visual evidence that has been crucial for the investigation.
Investigation Progress and Accused's Defense
Investigators have made progress by identifying one of the accused women, who previously served as the president of a traders' association. This development adds a layer of complexity to the case, given her former leadership role in the local business community.
After a video purportedly showing the incident went viral on social media, one of the accused, Sunita Soni, issued a public statement in her defense. Soni claimed that she had visited the market and that the women accompanying her had traveled from Jaunpur. She asserted that certain items were unavailable at the shop, leading her to leave her mobile number with the intention of collecting them after a week.
"I am not aware of what the women accompanying me may have taken from the shop. I will fully cooperate with the shop owner and the police administration," Soni stated, emphasizing her willingness to assist in the investigation.
Legal and Social Implications
The case highlights ongoing concerns about theft and security in retail environments, particularly in bustling market areas like Chetganj. Police are continuing their investigation, reviewing the CCTV footage and statements from all parties involved to determine the full extent of the allegations.
This incident serves as a reminder for shopkeepers to enhance surveillance and security measures to prevent such occurrences. The involvement of a former traders' association president has sparked discussions within the local community about accountability and ethical conduct.
