Mangala, who had worked as Asha’s domestic help for over 15 years, was considered part of the family, especially after Asha’s elderly mother became bedridden. Her devotion earned Asha’s complete trust, with Asha even planning to bequeath a Rs 5-crore property to her.
However, Mangala developed a serious addiction to online betting, leading to a lavish lifestyle of pubs, parties, and high debts. To sustain her habit, she borrowed heavily and mismanaged previous gifts, including a house worth Rs 1.5 crore and a Rs 40-lakh loan cleared by Asha.
Unable to curb her addiction, Mangala allegedly used Asha’s original locker key to steal 450 grams of gold and 3 kilograms of silver, then discarded the key to hide her crime. The theft came to light during Diwali when Asha attempted to make duplicate keys. Initially suspecting outsiders, a police complaint was filed, but investigations soon pointed to Mangala.
Under interrogation, Mangala confessed. She was arrested and sent to Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, while Asha withdrew her will naming Mangala as heir. The case highlights how addiction and greed can destroy even long-standing bonds of trust.
