Bengaluru: A newly-employed domestic help-cum-cook working at a businessman’s residence allegedly fled with gold ornaments and cash worth over Rs 23 lakh. The accused has been identified as Saroj, a native of Bihar.According to the complaint filed by Meesha Paruthi, a resident of an apartment in Jakkasandra, the incident occurred between 6.30pm and 9.30pm on March 1. Paruthi had been searching for a domestic help as his wife was unwell. He contacted Ranjith, who had previously worked as a cook at his residence, seeking assistance in finding a suitable person.
Ranjith reportedly recommended Saroj, assuring the family that she was skilled in cooking and household work. Saroj had been staying at the Paruthi’s residence for the past 10 days and assisting with domestic chores.On March 1, at around 6.30 pm, Paruthi, along with his wife and son, stepped out for dinner, leaving Saroj at home. When they returned around 9.30pm, she was missing.Upon checking the house, the family found the bedroom and cupboard doors open. The accused allegedly stole gold bangles, gold bracelets studded with diamonds, diamond earrings, a gold ring with a diamond, a gold ring with a yellow sapphire, and a gold chain — weighing about 80 grams in total and worth approximately Rs 20 lakh. In addition, Rs 3 lakh in cash was also reported stolen.Police said the locker key had been kept in a drawer beside the bed, which the accused allegedly accessed before fleeing with the valuables.A case has been registered at Koramangala police station under Section 306 (theft by clerk or servant of property in possession of master) of the BNS. An investigation is under way.Officials reiterated the importance of proper background verification of domestic workers, warning that hiring strangers without police verification can pose serious security risks.
