The Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested Bhushan Verma from Hapur in connection with the theft of a golden kalash worth Rs1 crore during a prayer ceremony near the Red Fort.
The theft occurred on September 3 at a religious event attended by dignitaries, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The golden kalash, crafted from 760 grams of gold and embedded with 150 grams of diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, holds deep religious significance for the Jain community.
Verma, dressed in a traditional dhoti-kurta to blend in with devotees, exploited the commotion during Birla’s arrival to snatch the kalash and escape unnoticed.
The event, ongoing since August 28 and scheduled to conclude on September 9, was disrupted by the theft, which was reported to the Kotwali Police Station after extensive searches failed to locate the kalash.
Authorities revealed that the suspect conducted reconnaissance over several days and mingled with event organisers to avoid suspicion.
Multiple police teams reviewed CCTV footage from the venue and surrounding areas to track Verma’s escape route. Police raids led to his arrest, with a senior officer confirming significant progress in the investigation.
