Bengaluru theft: Vidhana Soudha staffer arrested for stealing visitor’s gold, 1.5L cash near minister’s office

BENGALURU: A 59-year-old watch-and-ward staffer at Vidhana Soudha was arrested Monday for allegedly stealing gold and cash belonging to a visitor who had come to meet a minister.

The accused is Anthony Das, who works under the security officer of the department of personnel and administrative reforms (DPAR). The complainant, Naveen, in his 40s, is a Bengaluru resident and a person with disability.


According to primary investigation, the theft took place on Feb 4, and the complaint was filed the following evening. Naveen visited Vidhana Soudha to meet a minister (urban development and town planning, Byrathi Suresh). He was frisked by security staff at gate 4 before being allowed into the premises.

Naveen went to the minister's office on the third floor and allegedly left his bag in the corridor near the minister's chamber. However, he claimed he didn't forget the bag and had gone to another department. When he returned, the doors were closed and he was asked to return the following day — which he did.

Security personnel from Vidhana Soudha security checked CCTV footage, which showed Anthony taking the bag after locking the doors of offices on the floor.

Vidhana Soudha police were alerted by the minister's office, and a written complaint was submitted. Naveen later filed a complaint stating the bag contained around 300 grams of gold and Rs 1.5 lakh in cash. Police are trying to ascertain how so much cash and gold was allowed to be carried into Vidhana Soudha when the rules prohibit carrying more than Rs 10,000.