KOLKATA: A shocking burglary in North Kolkata has left a family devastated after thieves made off with nearly ₹2 crore in cash and jewellery during the early hours of Monday. The theft took place at a five-bedroom apartment on Ultadanga Main Road near Hudco crossing, while the residents were asleep.
The apartment belongs to 62-year-old businessman Sushil Kumar Bajaj. His son, Shubham Bajaj, informed police that the burglars entered the first-floor flat by cutting and removing the iron grille of a window in the prayer room. Once inside, they found the keys hanging in the almirah and easily accessed gold and diamond jewellery stored inside.
What has raised suspicion is the precise knowledge the burglars appeared to have—while they ignored expensive electronics scattered around the flat, they went directly for the valuables. “They knew exactly where to look,” said Shubham. “They didn’t touch gadgets or appliances, but they went straight for the almirah and even helped themselves to some almonds from the kitchen. We strongly suspect insider involvement.”
The break-in was discovered around 6:15 a.m. by Shubham’s mother, who noticed the missing window grille. The family estimates the total value of the stolen items at ₹2 crore, including ₹2 lakh in cash and a range of gold and diamond jewellery.
Among the stolen valuables were:
- A gold necklace set with earrings and bangles weighing 80–100 grams, worth ₹70 lakh
- Diamond-studded bangles valued at ₹5 lakh
- Five pairs of diamond-studded gold earrings worth ₹5 lakh
- Ten gold chains valued at ₹15 lakh
- A gold bracelet worth ₹1.5 lakh
- Multiple gold and diamond rings worth at least ₹15 lakh
“These were not just expensive items, they held deep sentimental value,” a family member said, referring to the heirloom jewellery that was taken. The valuables had been kept at home since a family wedding over a year ago and had not been returned to a bank locker.
“This was our life’s savings,” said Shubham. “My father is a heart patient, and my mother is diabetic. We keep cash at home for emergencies—just last month, my father had to be hospitalized in Alipore. With work and marriage responsibilities, we never imagined this would happen.”
An FIR has been registered under Section 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for theft in a dwelling house at the Ultadanga police station. A forensic team has been deployed to examine the scene, and police are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby buildings. The city’s detective department has also joined the investigation.
The incident has sparked concern among residents of the Ultadanga area, many of whom are alarmed by the boldness of the crime. Despite the presence of occupants inside the home, the thieves managed to escape undetected. In response, local authorities have increased patrolling in the vicinity and urged residents to improve home security and install surveillance systems.
