Mangaluru: In a major breakthrough, police have arrested five individuals, including employees of an airport ground-handling company, for allegedly stealing gold ornaments and cash from passenger baggage at Mangalore International Airport.
Gold Ornaments Worth ₹4.5 Lakh Stolen
The incident occurred on August 30 when a female passenger arrived from Bengaluru on an Air India Express flight. Upon collecting her luggage, she discovered that 56 grams of gold ornaments valued at ₹4,50,000 were missing. A complaint was lodged at the Bajpe Police Station, leading to a swift investigation.
Arrest of Ground-Handling Staff and Receiver
The arrested individuals have been identified as Nitin, a loader from Kandavar; Sadananda and Rajesh, both from Mooduperara; Praveen Fernandes from Bajpe; and Raviraj of Mooduperara, who allegedly purchased the stolen gold.
Police revealed that the accused worked with Air India SATS, handling baggage at the airport for around nine years. During questioning, they confessed to opening baggage to search for valuables, often exploiting weak lock combinations or unsecured zippers.
Recovery of Gold and Cash
Investigators recovered 50 grams of gold bars worth nearly ₹5 lakh, allegedly sold to Raviraj, who has been booked under Section 317(2) BNS for receiving stolen property.
Police also linked the group to an earlier theft in January 2025, in which ₹2 lakh was stolen from the baggage of passenger Manohar Shetty. The recovered cash has been added as evidence in that case (No. 27/2025).
Caution to Air Travellers
Authorities have urged air passengers to avoid placing valuables like gold, jewellery, or large sums of cash in check-in baggage. “Weak locks and careless handling make thefts easier for offenders. Travellers should carry valuables in cabin baggage and remain vigilant,” a police spokesperson said.
Court Proceedings Underway
The accused were produced before a magistrate and remanded to police custody for further investigation. Police believe additional cases may be linked to the group and are reviewing past complaints of missing valuables from baggage.