Maid gold loan

New Delhi: Police have issued notices to bank managers in connection with a case involving a domestic worker, Sonia, who was arrested for multiple residential thefts and is alleged to have pledged stolen gold jewellery at various financial institutions to secure loans. Investigations revealed that she had opened as many as 15 gold loan accounts..

A senior police officer said the bank managers have been summoned for questioning, and investigators will seek details on how the accused was able to obtain loans by mortgaging gold ornaments. Police are also examining whether the accounts were opened using identity documents such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards and address proofs, and whether proper verification procedures were followed.

According to investigators, Sonia is alleged to have targeted affluent residential colonies during afternoon hours, when domestic workers and security personnel were often resting or away from duty areas. She would reportedly seek temporary work in households, gradually gain access over a few days and then allegedly steal gold jewellery and other valuables before disappearing.

Police said CCTV footage played a crucial role in tracking her movements. In one instance, she was seen leaving a residence and later boarding an auto-rickshaw. Based on vehicle details captured on camera, police traced the driver and questioned him, which provided key information about her drop location and led to subsequent raids at multiple addresses.

During one of the operations, the accused allegedly attempted to evade arrest by hiding inside her residence. Police said the premises were guarded by aggressive dogs, including pitbulls, American bully breeds and hybrid dogs, which made entry difficult for the team. After gaining access, officers found her hiding under quilts inside the house and took her into custody.

Investigators are now further examining the financial trail linked to the pledged gold and loan accounts, and possible involvement of other individuals in facilitating the transactions.