Kolkata: Luxury bathroom fittings worth Rs 35 lakh were stolen from Oberoi Grand, a five-star hotel facility in Esplanade, during its ongoing renovation work, the New Market police said on Sunday.The theft was discovered recently when Tushar Nandi, the hotel’s shift engineer, reported that 228 showerheads and eight decorative ceiling fans were missing from a housekeeping pantry on the four-th floor of the building. The it-ems were dismantled and stored in the pantry as part of the repair process, the FIR said.“The stolen fixtures were stored in large garbage bags in the pantry opposite Room 423. Initial investigation suggests the items may have been removed along with construction debris during dismantling operations,” an officer said. The theft occurred despite the presence of 20 security personnel from a private firm, claimed police. Cops said the absence of adequate lighting and lack of CCTV surveillance on guest floors, combined with heavy construction activity and worker movement, may have helped in this theft.The hotel is conducting an internal probe, with engineering, security, and purchase departments reviewing all recent construction activities and worker movements.The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata, had announced in Aug 2024 that it will be closing for 18 months for an extensive restoration and conservation.After 18 months, the hotel will reopen with 50 rooms and suites, all restaurants, banqueting, back-of-house facilities and an upgraded mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure. The second phase will take another 12 months, following which, the hotel will have 200 renovated rooms and suites, the spokesperson said. The banquets will be operational for the time being.Acquired on lease in 1938, the Kolkata landmark with its palatial edifice, has stood the test of time. In Aug 2018, the hotel was closed for 18 months when 50 rooms were added after a quarter of a century.
