A major case of alleged theft has surfaced at a nationalised bank’s Kapoorthala branch in Aliganj, where jewellery worth nearly ₹1.5 crore was reported missing from a customer’s locker. The incident has triggered a police investigation and renewed concerns about the security of bank locker facilities.
The complainant, Babita Sinha, a resident of Sopan Enclave in Priyadarshini Colony, lodged an FIR at the local police station on Wednesday, accusing unidentified bank employees of stealing valuables from her locker. The locker, according to her complaint, was jointly held with her late husband, Rajesh Sinha, who was a businessman.
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Babita stated that the locker contained a substantial collection of gold and silver jewellery, accumulated over several years and valued at approximately ₹1.5 crore. She said that when she accessed the locker on January 12, she discovered that all the jewellery had gone missing.
She immediately informed bank officials about the disappearance. An internal verification was carried out by the branch staff, but no trace of the missing ornaments was found, prompting her to approach the police.
Police confirmed that an FIR has been registered against unknown bank staff on charges of theft and criminal breach of trust. Investigators are examining the bank’s locker access registers, CCTV footage, and employee duty records to determine how the valuables were removed.
Officials said the case is being treated seriously, and all possible angles are under scrutiny. The investigation is focusing on whether the locker was accessed without the presence or consent of the locker holder.
The incident has put the spotlight on the security protocols of bank locker systems, particularly in cases where lockers are jointly held or remain inactive for extended periods. Authorities are also reviewing whether duplicate keys, unauthorised access, or internal collusion could have led to the theft.
Bank authorities have so far declined to comment publicly on the allegations, citing the ongoing investigation. However, sources said the branch has been directed to provide all digital and physical access records related to the locker.
The incident has left customers concerned about the safety of their valuables. Several locker holders visiting the branch expressed apprehension, stating that confidence in the banking system depends heavily on the security of lockers, which are often used for storing family jewellery and savings.
Experts note that while bank lockers are generally considered secure, instances of internal fraud or procedural lapses cannot be ruled out. They advise customers to maintain an updated inventory of locker contents and to check their lockers periodically.
Babita has urged authorities to ensure strict action against those responsible and has requested the bank to fully cooperate with the investigation. She told police that the jewellery represented her family’s lifetime savings.
Police are expected to question branch employees and may also involve forensic and cyber specialists to analyse electronic access data and surveillance footage.
As the investigation progresses, the case is likely to become a significant test of bank accountability and customer protection, especially in safeguarding high-value locker deposits.
Further investigation is underway.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
