Delhi Police Arrest Man Over Rs 1 Crore Gold-Kalash Theft At Red Fort

In a major development, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has apprehended the individual accused of stealing a diamond-studded gold ‘kalash’ (ceremonial vessel) valued at over Rs 1 crore during a religious event at the historic Red Fort.

Police sources confirmed the arrest on Monday, noting that they will disclose further details after completing the interrogation.

The stolen kalash was part of the Jain festival Das Lakshan Mahaparv, held at the 15 August Park, directly opposite the iconic Red Fort.

The 10-day celebration included prominent dignitaries such as Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The theft overshadowed the event. It raised concerns about security at one of India’s most sensitive heritage sites.

Investigations and CCTV footage revealed that the accused had disguised himself as a Jain monk.

During the ceremonial proceedings and the reception of dignitaries, he managed to make off with a bag containing:

• 760-gram gold kalash,
• Adorned with 150 grams of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and other valuables

The artifact belonged to Delhi-based businessman Sudhir Kumar Jain, who said it had been in his family for generations.

“This is from my father’s time. It is around 900 grams in total. You can say it holds a value of Rs 1 crore today,” he told IANS, expressing hope that the police would recover it.

Jain recounted that the theft occurred around 9:26 AM, while dignitaries, including Om Birla, were on stage receiving blessings from Jain sants.

“Everything is recorded in police logs and CCTV footage,” he added.

Police confirmed that clear CCTV visuals of the suspect aided in his swift identification and arrest.

Authorities will soon present the accused in court and are confident of recovering the stolen kalash in the coming days.

The apprehension has relieved organisers and devotees, who remain shocked by the audacious theft during a sacred event at one of India’s most iconic landmarks.

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