Golden Kalash Worth Rs 1 Crore Stolen At Red Fort

Major Theft During Jain Religious Festival

A shocking theft occurred at the Red Fort premises in Delhi during the ongoing Jain religious celebration, Daslakshan Mahaparv. In a major security lapse, a thief disguised as a Jain priest managed to steal sacred ritual items worth approximately Rs 1.5 crore. Among the stolen valuables were two golden kalash (urns), a gold coconut, and a smaller diamond-studded urn. The incident has caused deep concern among the Jain community, given the religious and cultural significance of the items.

Details of the Stolen Items

According to the FIR, the stolen items include a golden jhari weighing around 760 grams, a smaller gold jhari of 115 grams adorned with rubies, emeralds, and diamonds, as well as a gold coconut. These items were owned by Sudhir Jain, a businessman who had been bringing them daily for rituals at the festival. While their monetary value is immense, devotees emphasized that their true worth lies in the spiritual and emotional connection they hold within Jain traditions.

How the Theft Happened

The theft took place on Wednesday at the 15 August Park inside the Red Fort, where the festival is being observed. CCTV footage revealed that the suspect, dressed in the attire of a Jain priest, blended into the crowd and walked away with a bag believed to contain the valuables. Reports suggest that the incident occurred at a time when the organizers were preoccupied with welcoming dignitaries. By the time the ceremonies resumed, the valuables had vanished from the stage.

Sudhir Jain expressed his anguish to reporters, stating, “The thief took advantage of the crowd. The gems are for aesthetics, but the kalash is sacred to us. Its loss cannot be measured in money.”

Police Investigation and Leads

Delhi Police has confirmed that the suspect has been identified and assured that an arrest will be made soon. Officials said they are working on strong leads, including the CCTV visuals that captured the suspect in disguise. Investigators are also probing whether the thief had prior knowledge of the event arrangements and the placement of valuables.

Meanwhile, Puneet Jain, a relative of Sudhir Jain, claimed that the same suspect had previously attempted similar thefts at three different temples. This has raised questions about whether the crime was premeditated and part of a larger pattern.

High-Profile Event and Security Questions

The Daslakshan Mahaparv is one of the most significant festivals in Jainism, observed with devotion and rituals across India. The ongoing celebrations at the Red Fort have drawn large crowds, including prominent personalities. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the event as a special guest on Tuesday, underscoring the festival’s prominence.

The theft, however, has now put a spotlight on the adequacy of security arrangements at such large-scale religious events, especially those hosted at historical and heavily guarded venues like the Red Fort. The incident has raised concerns not just about religious sentiments but also about the credibility of public security in high-profile areas.

Community Reaction and Sentiments

The Jain community has expressed both shock and grief over the incident. Many pointed out that the loss goes beyond material wealth, as the stolen kalash and ritual items hold centuries-old cultural and spiritual importance. Devotees attending the event voiced frustration over the security failure, urging authorities to ensure better protection in the remaining days of the festival, which continues until September 9.

Community leaders have appealed to the police for swift action and recovery of the stolen items, stressing that their safe return is essential to uphold faith and traditions.

Conclusion

The theft of golden ritual items during such a revered religious event at the Red Fort has not only caused financial loss but also wounded religious sentiments. While police investigations are underway, the incident has highlighted vulnerabilities in event security and the need for stricter vigilance. For the Jain community, the hope remains that the sacred kalash will be recovered quickly and restored to its rightful place in rituals.