Bengaluru: A helper employed at a jewellery shop in Bengaluru allegedly escaped with Rs 27 lakh in cash from his employer’s residence in Yeshwanthpur, prompting police to launch a search operation in Rajasthan to trace the accused.

The accused, identified as Babu Singh, had reportedly been working as a helper at a jewellery store in NT Pet for the last 18 months. Originally from Rajasthan, Singh had also been staying at the residence of the complainant, a 63-year-old jeweller identified as Navarthna Kumar.

Police said the theft took place on Wednesday night when the accused allegedly fled with the cash while the jeweller and his wife briefly stepped out of the house.

Cash meant for bank deposit allegedly stolen

According to the complaint filed with the Yeshwanthpur police, Kumar had brought the cash home from his jewellery shop and was planning to deposit it in the bank.

As part of his routine practice, Kumar reportedly used to deposit business cash either once or twice every month.

On Wednesday, Kumar and Singh returned home from the jewellery shop at around 9.20 pm. After dinner, Kumar and his wife went to a nearby medical store, leaving Singh alone at the residence for a short duration.

Police said the couple returned home within 10 minutes and found the main door locked from outside.

Using a spare key, they entered the house and realised that Singh was missing. On checking the cash kept inside the residence, they discovered that Rs 27 lakh had allegedly been stolen.

Accused switched off mobile phone

The complainant immediately attempted to contact Singh over the phone, but the mobile device had already been switched off.

Police suspect that the accused had planned the escape in advance and may have fled Bengaluru soon after committing the theft.

Investigators are currently examining travel routes, CCTV footage and mobile phone records to determine how the accused left the city.

Officials said Singh had been introduced to Kumar through a common acquaintance when the jeweller was searching for a trusted helper for his shop operations.

Since he had been staying with the family for over a year, the accused allegedly had easy access to the residence and was familiar with the complainant’s routines.

Police teams sent to Rajasthan

Based on Kumar’s complaint, the Yeshwanthpur police registered a case under Section 306 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which relates to theft by a servant or employee of property in the possession of the employer.

Senior police officials confirmed that special teams have been deployed in Rajasthan to trace and apprehend the accused.

Police are coordinating with local authorities in Rajasthan and are also verifying whether Singh had any prior criminal background or connections with organised theft networks.

Officials added that efforts are underway to track financial transactions and identify whether the stolen cash has been moved or hidden elsewhere.

Concerns over employee verification

The incident has once again raised concerns regarding employee verification and background checks in commercial establishments and households.

Police officials often advise employers, especially those handling large volumes of cash or jewellery, to conduct proper identity verification and police background checks before hiring staff.

Security experts say that employees living inside residences may gain detailed knowledge about family schedules, storage locations and financial routines, making internal theft cases more difficult to prevent.

The case has also highlighted the importance of timely bank deposits and enhanced home security measures for business owners dealing with high-value transactions.

Investigation continues

The police investigation is currently focused on tracing the accused’s movements after the theft and recovering the stolen amount.

Authorities believe the accused may have already travelled out of Karnataka and are checking railway stations, airports and interstate transport records for clues.

Further investigation is underway.