An assistant manager of a nationalised bank branch in Bengaluru has been arrested for allegedly lifting gold ornaments weighing close to 2.7 kg from customer lockers and pawning them to finance online betting and gambling activities. The accused, 34-year-old Kiran Kumar, is said to have taken advantage of his access to locker keys to withdraw pledged gold in small quantities when the branch manager was not present.
The theft came to light on January 2, when customers visited the Indian Bank branch to retrieve their jewellery. Discrepancies during locker verification prompted a detailed inspection, which revealed that ornaments were missing — either partially or entirely — from 24 packets. Preliminary investigations estimate that 2,783 grams of gold, valued at approximately Rs 4 crore, has been stolen.
After the discovery, a complaint was filed, and the police took Kumar into custody. Kumar confessed during interrogation, admitting that he had pawned the stolen gold at different shops just to fund his gambling addiction.
Authorities have managed to recover nearly 1.2 kg of gold so far. Investigations are ongoing to recover the remaining valuables.
As some financiers are reportedly not cooperating, police may seek court directions to assist in the recovery. In the meantime, they have urged customers to routinely verify the contents of their lockers and take measures to protect their valuables.
Also read: K'taka gives nod to conduct IPL matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium
Follow us
