Bengaluru: Gold ornaments valued at around Rs 60 lakh were stolen from a suitcase belonging to a businessman’s family travelling from Bengaluru to Mysuru on a KSRTC bus, police said on Thursday. The ornaments, weighing over 555 grams, were being carried by the businessman’s mother, wife and two aunts, who were on their way to attend a wedding function.
Family discovers theft after reaching Mysuru
The complainant, Sunil M Jain (44), a resident of JP Nagar and owner of a computer sales and services shop in Jayanagar, dropped the four women at the Satellite Bus Stand on Mysuru Road on November 14. They were travelling to Mysuru to participate in a series of marriage celebrations for Jain’s elder sister’s son, with one event scheduled for November 22.
Jain received a call at around 2.20 pm from his sister informing him that the women had reached her Mysuru home safely. But when the family members opened their suitcase, they were shocked to find that all their gold ornaments were missing.
Ornaments worth lakhs stolen
The stolen jewellery included:
- Gold necklaces studded with diamonds
- Earrings
- Finger rings
- Bangles
The total value of the missing ornaments is estimated at Rs 60 lakh, according to the complaint.
Police probe theft at bus stand and onboard KSRTC bus
Police have launched an investigation to ascertain when and where the theft occurred. Officers are examining two key possibilities:
- Theft at the Satellite Bus Stand before the women boarded the KSRTC bus.
- Theft during the journey from Bengaluru to Mysuru.
Investigators are checking CCTV footage from the bus stand and have sought details from KSRTC regarding the bus crew, passenger list and any surveillance cameras installed inside the vehicle. They are also questioning staff and analysing the movement of passengers during boarding.
A senior police official said that such thefts often occur when luggage is left unattended for even brief moments at crowded transport hubs. Authorities are also considering whether a professional pickpocket gang could be involved.
Jewellery thefts on public transport raise concerns
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of passengers carrying valuables on public transport. While KSRTC buses are generally considered safe, police have noted a rise in isolated cases of thefts involving handbags, purses and luggage stored in overhead racks or storage compartments.
Passengers have been advised to keep valuables in their hand baggage and avoid checking in expensive items in suitcases during long-distance travel.
Conclusion
The Bengaluru–Mysuru bus route sees thousands of travellers daily, and this high-value jewellery theft has prompted police to intensify their investigation. With CCTV footage and passenger records under scrutiny, officials hope to identify the culprits soon. Meanwhile, Sunil Jain and his family await answers regarding the disappearance of ornaments meant for a joyous family occasion.