In a major breakthrough, Delhi Police have arrested Munna alias Salim, the prime suspect in the high-profile theft of a gold-plated kalash worth around Rs 40 lakh from a Jain temple in Jyoti Nagar, northeast Delhi. The 23-year-old resident of New Seemapuri was apprehended with a button-actuated knife, prompting additional charges under the Arms Act.
Munna, a habitual offender with a criminal record including robbery and theft, confessed to stealing the gold-laden kalash on October 11. The theft was discovered the following day, and CCTV footage captured a man descending a pole after allegedly removing the urn.
Earlier, police had arrested two scrap dealers from whom portions of the stolen kalash were recovered. The recovered urn, made of ‘ashta-dhatu’ and containing 200 grams of gold, had been taken during Karva Chauth celebrations, shocking the temple community. Authorities say the arrest provides relief and reinforces the commitment to justice.
