The Manak Chowk police in Jaipur have successfully solved a high-profile treasure theft case involving an ancient haveli located in the Vidyadhar ka Rasta area of Tripolia Bazaar. The investigation led to the arrest of a contractor and four laborers who had allegedly discovered and misappropriated a significant hoard of silver and gold during the demolition of the property. According to the police, the theft came to light when the suspects began exhibiting sudden and drastic changes in their lifestyles, which raised red flags among the local community and the original owners of the property.
The Discovery and the Theft
The incident centers around Haveli Number 630, an ancestral property belonging to Rahul Sethi, a resident of Bapu Nagar. To facilitate the construction of a new building, Sethi had entered into a formal agreement with a firm named Divine-1 LLP. The firm, in turn, awarded the contract for the demolition of the old structure to Mahesh Malhotra, also known as Chhotu. A critical clause in the agreement explicitly stated that any valuable items or treasures discovered during the excavation or demolition process must be handed over to the owner. However, when the workers stumbled upon a massive cache of wealth, they chose to conceal the find and distribute it among themselves.
Details of the Hidden Treasure
During the demolition process, the workers reportedly found a staggering amount of wealth hidden within the walls or foundation of the old haveli. The treasure included 15 large silver bricks, between 14 and 15 gold pots (swarn kalash) filled with gold coins, and approximately 10000 silver coins. Instead of informing Rahul Sethi or the authorities, the contractor, Mahesh Malhotra, took possession of the silver bricks while the silver coins were distributed among the laborers. The sudden influx of wealth allowed the suspects to spend lavishly, which eventually became the primary lead for the police investigation.
Police Action and Arrests
Following a formal complaint lodged by Rahul Sethi on July 15 at the Manak Chowk police station, DCP Karan Sharma spearheaded the investigation. 4 kg of silver. The arrested individuals have been identified as Mahesh Malhotra alias Chhotu (a resident of Mandi Khatikan), Jagdish Rajoria (resident of Khandi Khatikan), Omprakash Khinchi alias Pappu, Rajni Malhotra, and Anuj Arora (resident of Lakshmi Narayanpuri near the Coal Hospital). The police are currently interrogating the suspects to determine the whereabouts of the remaining gold coins and pots mentioned in the original complaint.
Legal Consequences and Investigation
The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the law concerning theft and breach of trust. 4 kg of silver marks a significant breakthrough, but the search for the gold coins continues. DCP Karan Sharma noted that the suspects had attempted to hide the treasure in various locations to avoid detection. The authorities are also looking into whether any other individuals were involved in the disposal or sale of the stolen items. This case has highlighted the importance of strict supervision during the renovation of historical properties in Jaipur's old city areas.