Mangaluru: A theft involving gold ornaments and luxury watches worth an estimated Rs 10.71 lakh has been reported from an apartment in Deralakatte in Ullal taluk, police said.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred between 8 pm on March 18 and 8:30 am on April 9 at Flat No G1104 on the 11th floor of a residential apartment located near KS Hegde Medical College and Hospital. The complainant, Mohammed Hashil Sadiq, stated that unidentified persons broke into his residence during this period and decamped with valuables kept inside.
Break-in and theft details
As per the complaint filed at Ullal police station, the accused allegedly gained entry into the flat and accessed a locker placed inside a bedroom cupboard belonging to the complainant’s wife, Bazila KM. Gold ornaments stored in the locker were stolen.
The stolen jewellery includes a 24-gram diamond necklace along with a pair of earrings, a 16-gram gold anklet chain and an 8-gram gold ring. In addition to these items, valuables kept in another locker in the complainant’s bedroom were also reported missing.
Among the stolen items are a ladies’ Rado watch valued at approximately Rs 2 lakh, an 8-gram platinum ring belonging to the complainant, and another luxury watch valued at around Rs 3.5 lakh.
Total loss estimated at Rs 10.71 lakh
Police said the total estimated value of the stolen gold ornaments and other valuables stands at Rs 10,71,000. The theft is believed to have taken place when the occupants were away, although the exact circumstances are under investigation.
The long gap between the suspected time of the break-in and its discovery has made the case more complex, and investigators are working to establish the sequence of events.
Police investigation underway
Based on the complaint, a case has been registered at Ullal police station against unidentified persons. Police have initiated an investigation and are likely to examine CCTV footage from the apartment complex and surrounding areas to identify the culprits.
Officials are also expected to question residents, security personnel and maintenance staff as part of the probe. Efforts are underway to determine whether the theft was carried out by known individuals or part of a larger pattern of similar incidents in the region.
Rising concerns over apartment security
The incident has raised concerns about security arrangements in high-rise residential complexes in and around Mangaluru, particularly in rapidly developing areas such as Deralakatte. Residents have increasingly been urged to ensure proper locking systems, surveillance coverage and regular monitoring of entry and exit points.
Police have advised apartment associations to strengthen security measures, including verification of visitors and staff, installation of functional CCTV systems, and maintaining access logs to prevent such incidents.
Conclusion
With valuables worth over Rs 10 lakh stolen in the incident, the case highlights the need for heightened vigilance among residents and stricter security protocols in residential complexes. Police are continuing their investigation to trace the accused and recover the stolen items.