Mangaluru: A woman passenger has approached the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Mira Bhayander Zone 1, alleging that jewellery and cash worth approximately Rs 15 lakh were stolen during a long-distance bus journey to Mumbai. The complainant has accused both the bus staff and the police of failing to respond appropriately after the alleged theft came to light, and has sought a detailed investigation into the incident.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on December 20 when Shoba Castelino was travelling with her two minor daughters on an Anand Travels bus operating on the Padubidri–Mira Road route. The bus, bearing registration number GA 08 V 8665, had departed the previous night and was en route to its destination when the alleged theft was discovered.
Theft discovered during early morning hours
Castelino stated that she noticed the theft at around 7.20 am during the journey. Upon realising that her valuables were missing, she immediately alerted the bus driver and requested that the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage installed inside the bus be checked to identify any suspicious activity.
She alleged that the response from the bus staff was unsatisfactory and that her concerns were not taken seriously. According to her statement, she was later informed by the staff that the CCTV camera installed in the bus was only a dummy and not a functional surveillance system.
This disclosure, she said, came as a shock, especially considering the increasing reliance of passengers on onboard surveillance systems for safety during overnight journeys.
Driver allegedly refused to halt the bus
In her complaint, Castelino further alleged that she requested the driver to stop the bus immediately so that the matter could be reported to the nearest police station. However, the driver reportedly refused, stating that the bus was near Belapur at the time and could not be halted.
She said that being alone with two minor children and in a distressed state, she felt helpless and chose to continue the journey until the bus reached its final destination. The complainant claimed that this delay severely affected her ability to promptly report the crime and preserve potential evidence.
Difficulties in registering an FIR
After reaching Mira Road, Castelino attempted to register a first information report (FIR) at the Naya Nagar police station. However, she alleged that the police declined to register her complaint, citing lack of jurisdiction as the incident had occurred during transit.
She later approached the Kanakia police station on Mira Road with the same request. There too, she claimed, her attempt to lodge an FIR was unsuccessful, with officials again referring to jurisdictional limitations.
The complainant has maintained that such refusals are contrary to legal provisions, pointing out that a zero FIR can be registered at any police station irrespective of where the offence took place, especially in cases involving serious allegations and significant loss of property.
Allegations of evidence tampering
One of the most serious allegations raised in the complaint relates to the handling of the bus’s digital video recorder (DVR). Castelino alleged that the bus owner bypassed standard police procedure by sending the DVR to a private manufacturer instead of handing it over to the authorities for forensic examination.
She further stated that the bus owner later claimed the CCTV footage retrieved from the DVR was “blank”. This, she alleged, raises serious doubts about possible tampering with or destruction of crucial evidence that could have helped identify the culprits.
According to her, no independent or official verification of the DVR contents was conducted in her presence or under police supervision.
Visit to DCP office
Castelino said that on December 27, she visited the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mira Bhayander Zone 1, seeking intervention in the matter. She alleged that she was directed to another officer, who declined to accept her complaint, once again citing jurisdictional issues.
She reiterated that the law provides for the registration of a zero FIR in such cases and that refusal to accept her complaint amounted to denial of access to justice.
Details of stolen property
The complaint provides a detailed list of the items allegedly stolen during the journey. These include an 80-gram mangalsutra, three diamond rings, two gold rings, a six-gram gold chain, a diamond pendant, and two pairs of earrings weighing about 10 grams. In addition, Rs 12,000 in cash was also reported missing.
The total value of the stolen jewellery and cash has been estimated at around Rs 15 lakh, making it a case involving substantial financial loss.
Demand for thorough investigation
The complainant has urged the police to register an FIR without further delay and to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident. She has specifically requested forensic examination of the DVR, questioning of the bus driver, conductor and other staff, and verification of passenger details from the journey.
She has also sought scrutiny of the bus operator’s compliance with safety and surveillance norms, particularly the installation and maintenance of CCTV systems in long-distance buses.
In conclusion, the case has raised concerns about passenger safety during inter-state bus travel, the accountability of private bus operators, and the obligation of police authorities to register complaints promptly. The complainant has expressed hope that senior officials will intervene to ensure a fair investigation and recovery of her stolen belongings.