Bengaluru: A minor was apprehended by Banaswadi police for allegedly stealing around 200 grams of gold ornaments from his grandfather’s house last year.Police have recovered 35 grams of gold, valued at approximately Rs 5 lakh. The 82-year-old resident of Banaswadi, who lives with his wife, filed a complaint on Dec 12, stating that about 199 grams of gold kept in a cupboard had been stolen on Aug 13, 2025. He suspected his grandson and a friend who had visited the house that day.The juvenile, who resides with his maternal grandmother in Chikkamagaluru district, had visited the complainant’s house with his friend. The elderly couple had stepped out to see a doctor at 5.30pm and returned at 6pm to find both boys gone. They later discovered that gold ornaments—purchased over 32 years ago, including a mangalya chain, bangles, three gold chains, a pair of earrings, and rings—were missing. The complaint had been delayed due to the complainant’s health issues. During investigation, police gathered credible evidence linking the grandson to the theft. Officials noted that he was already a juvenile in conflict with the law, having been involved in a previous case under Lingadahalli police limits, and was under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Justice Board in Chikkamagaluru.Police obtained a body warrant and produced the boy before the Board in Bengaluru on April 2, taking him into custody for three days.During questioning, the juvenile confessed to selling the stolen gold at a jewellery shop in Mysuru. Police were able to recover only 35 grams of the ornaments. The school dropout reportedly spent the proceeds on partying and personal expenses.He was later handed over to the Board in Chikkamagaluru. A senior officer said the complainant is now willing to settle the matter, given that the offence was committed by his own grandson. —Nyasa Gupta
