Bengaluru: A couple employed as domestic help at a businessman’s residence in Bengaluru’s Amruthahalli area has been arrested for allegedly stealing Rs 25 lakh in cash from the house barely a month after joining work. Police have recovered the entire stolen amount and launched a detailed investigation into the incident.
The accused have been identified as Pawan Bista and Sita Bista, both reportedly natives of Nepal. According to police officials, the couple had recently begun working at the residence and are suspected of carefully studying the household’s routines and security arrangements before carrying out the theft.
Theft planned after gathering information
According to the police, the businessman had recently withdrawn a substantial amount of cash from a bank to distribute salaries to workers. The money was reportedly stored in a locked cupboard inside the residence.
Investigators said the key to the cupboard was kept inside another cupboard within the house. During their employment, the couple allegedly became aware of the location of both the cash and the keys.
Police believe the accused used the information to their advantage and waited for an opportunity when the homeowner was away. They allegedly opened the cupboard, took a bag containing Rs 25 lakh in cash and fled from the residence.
The theft came to light after the businessman discovered that the money was missing and immediately approached the police.
Police launch swift operation
Following the complaint, officers from the Amruthahalli Police Station registered a case and initiated a search operation to trace the suspects.
Using available leads and surveillance inputs, police tracked down the couple before they could leave Bengaluru. Both accused were taken into custody, and officers recovered the entire stolen amount from their possession.
The swift recovery of the cash has been seen as a significant breakthrough in the case, preventing the suspects from allegedly escaping with the money.
Investigation explores motive
Police officials suspect the couple may have accepted domestic work at a lower salary with the intention of committing theft. Investigators are examining the background of the accused, their movements before and after the crime, and whether they were involved in similar offences elsewhere.
Authorities are also verifying documents and employment records to determine how the couple secured work at the residence and whether any accomplices may have assisted them.
The investigation is expected to focus on the timeline of events, communication records and any prior criminal history linked to the accused.
Concerns over household hiring practices
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of background verification when hiring domestic workers. Security experts often advise homeowners to conduct proper identity checks, verify references and inform local police about new household staff.
In many urban areas, police departments encourage residents to register details of domestic workers to strengthen security measures and assist investigations in the event of a crime.
While domestic workers play an essential role in many households, experts stress that verification procedures can help prevent incidents involving theft and other offences.
Police continue probe
Although the stolen money has been recovered and the accused arrested, police said further investigation is underway. Officers are working to establish whether the theft was pre-planned before the couple took up employment or whether the opportunity arose after they began working at the house.
Authorities are expected to file charges after completing the investigation and gathering all relevant evidence.
Conclusion
The arrest of the househelp couple and recovery of the full Rs 25 lakh have brought relief to the victim’s family. However, the case serves as a reminder of the need for thorough background checks and vigilance when hiring domestic staff, particularly in large urban centres where such crimes occasionally surface.