Mumbai Police arrest ex-bank official over alleged theft from elderly NRI’s safe deposit locker in Kandivali
Mumbai (Economy India): Mumbai Police have arrested a former deputy branch manager of a private bank for allegedly stealing gold jewellery worth ₹81.80 lakh from the safe deposit locker of an elderly Non-Resident Indian (NRI), an official said on Thursday.
The incident came to light on August 12, when 74-year-old Pradeep Motiram Bhatia, a retired man living in Dubai, approached the Kandivali police station and lodged a complaint regarding the missing jewellery.
Jewellery Deposited in Bank Locker in 2024
According to the complaint, Bhatia has been living in Dubai with his family for the past 52 years.
He had deposited his gold jewellery in a safe deposit locker at a private bank’s MG Road branch in Kandivali in 2024.
The jewellery was reportedly kept in the locker for safekeeping. The alleged theft was subsequently discovered by the complainant, following which he approached the police.
Former Deputy Branch Manager Arrested
During the investigation, Mumbai Police identified a former deputy branch manager of the bank as a suspect and arrested him in connection with the alleged theft.
Police are investigating how the accused allegedly gained access to the locker and removed the jewellery.
The investigation is also expected to focus on the circumstances surrounding access to the bank’s locker facilities and whether any other individuals were involved.
Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kandivali, Mumbai |
| Complainant | Pradeep Motiram Bhatia, 74 |
| Status | Retired NRI living in Dubai |
| Jewellery Value | ₹81.80 lakh |
| Locker | Private bank, MG Road branch |
| Jewellery Deposited | 2024 |
| Complaint Filed | August 12, 2026 |
| Accused | Former deputy branch manager |
| Investigation | Mumbai Police |
Investigation Underway
The police are continuing their probe to establish the complete sequence of events and recover the stolen jewellery.
The case highlights concerns around the security of valuables kept in bank lockers and the importance of robust internal controls and access procedures.
Authorities are examining the available evidence as part of the investigation.
