Dramatic Arrest: Domestic Helper Accused of Rs 13 Lakh Theft in Gurgaon Apprehended

In a significant breakthrough, Gurgaon police have successfully apprehended a Nepali domestic helper accused of orchestrating a daring theft of cash and jewellery worth approximately Rs 13 lakh from her employer's residence in Sector 57. The dramatic arrest of 25-year-old Bhawani, also known as Kanchi, concludes a nearly three-week-long manhunt, bringing relief to the victim and underscoring the vital importance of thorough background checks for household staff.

The brazen theft occurred on May 20, 2024, when the house owner, identified as a resident of Sector 57, returned home from a family wedding.

To their dismay, they discovered that a substantial sum of cash – Rs 13 lakh – along with valuable gold coins, a gold necklace, and a pair of gold earrings, had vanished from their home. Suspicion immediately fell upon Bhawani, who had been employed as a domestic helper just a few days prior to the incident and had disappeared without a trace after the theft.

Distraught by the loss, the homeowner promptly filed a complaint with the Sector 56 police station.

Acting swiftly, law enforcement officials registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and launched a comprehensive investigation. Given the nature of the crime and the significant value of the stolen assets, a dedicated team was formed, spearheaded by ACP (Crime) Varun Dahiya, to track down the elusive accused.

The police team meticulously gathered evidence, employing technical surveillance and following various leads.

Their diligent efforts paid off when, on June 10, 2024, Bhawani was traced to a bus stand in Sector 56, Gurgaon. She was reportedly planning to meet a relative when police swooped in, apprehending her before she could evade capture once more. Her arrest marks a crucial development in the case, bringing justice closer for the victim.

Upon her apprehension, Bhawani confessed to the crime.

Authorities have successfully recovered a substantial portion of the stolen property, including Rs 11.23 lakh in cash, the gold coins, and the gold necklace. However, Rs 1.77 lakh in cash and the stolen gold earrings remain unrecovered, with investigations ongoing to trace these items and any potential accomplices.

The incident also sheds light on a critical lapse in due diligence.

The house owner had hired Bhawani through a domestic help agency located in Delhi, just 10-12 days before the theft occurred. Crucially, no police verification or identification documents were obtained for the helper, a common oversight that often leaves employers vulnerable to such crimes. Bhawani, originally from Nepal, had reportedly fled to Uttarakhand and then to her native country after the theft, before returning to Gurgaon, indicating premeditation and an attempt to escape justice.

Gurgaon police continue their investigation, emphasizing the importance of rigorous background checks and police verification for anyone employed in a household setting.

This case serves as a stark reminder for residents to exercise caution and adhere to safety protocols when engaging domestic staff, safeguarding their homes and valuables from potential breaches of trust.