After holidays, biz family returns to burgled home
Times of India | 10 January 2026
Kolkata: The home of a businessman, who had been away on a vacation to Kerala with his wife and one-year-old daughter, was burgled with Rs 2.5 lakh cash, jewellery, branded watches, branded sunglasses and even their three passports being reported stolen. The Rs 30-lakh theft at a flat on Clyde Row in Hastings was suspected to have taken place between Dec 26 and Jan 2, when the family was on the trip, said police.
The man said the loss of the passports was of particular concern, given the risk of their misuse.
In the complaint at the Hastings Police Station, the businessman said his parents lived on another floor of the building and their household included three full-time domestic help, two part-timers and a nanny. He said before leaving on the vacation, a digital lock was being installed on an almirah in his bedroom, prompting them to temporarily move their valuables to a locked almirah in the guest room, where miscellaneous items, such as bank documents, small currency coins and low-value personal articles were also kept in packets.
The theft was discovered when the businessman looked for his watches and a ring but found them missing. When he checked the guest-room almirah, he found the other valuables were gone, too, said police, adding that he then conclude that the theft had occurred during the family's absence. He has sought police documentation needed for passport re-issuance and any insurance-related requirements. The complaint stated that copies of identification documents of domestic staff were provided for records and reference.
Cops from the Hastings PS, along with the detective department, are investigating the case.
Highlighting the need for vigilance, a senior officer from the anti-burglary section at Lalbazar said, "A few simple steps need to be followed to avoid falling prey to such crimes. Keep almirahs locked, get identity of domestic help verified and avoid discussing finance in front of them. Help should ideally be hired from trusted agencies, one which comes with recommendations from several quarters."