In a major breakthrough in a long-running shoplifting spree, Shilpi Bhattacharya, a resident of Halisahar in North 24-Parganas, was arrested on Friday for allegedly stealing from 39 outlets of a well-known departmental store chain across the state. Her arrest was made at a Salt Lake store, where she was caught allegedly stealing 34 items worth over Rs17,000, including 11 boxes of green tea and premium coffee powder.
The theft reportedly occurred soon after the store opened for the day. Store officials flagged her behavior and upon confrontation, she reportedly confessed to past thefts, even signing a written admission acknowledging multiple instances of shoplifting since last year.
Among the most expensive items recovered were:
Green tea boxes worth Rs7,150
Coffee powder worth Rs5,520
Additional items including chocolates, spices, and honey
According to police and store reports, Shilpi had targeted outlets across Darjeeling, Siliguri, Krishnanagar, Bolpur, Malda, Behrampore, Kurseong, and Burdwan, among other locations.
“She admitted to shoplifting from this Salt Lake store several times—in September, October, and December 2024, and again in May, June, and July 2025,” said an officer from Bidhannagar (South) police station.
Authorities are also probing how she managed to bypass security alarms at these outlets despite CCTV monitoring and electronic exit sensors typically installed at departmental stores. The woman has since been remanded to judicial custody after her court appearance.
