Man posing as priest stole gold and diamond-studded ‘kalash’ worth Rs 1 crore from Delhi event, arrested

The incident had taken place at a religious event held near the Red Fort last week

New Delhi | September 8, 2025 10:55 AM IST

The accused, Bhushan Verma, was arrested by a team from the Crime Branch late Sunday night. The stolen kalash (left)

Delhi Police on Monday claimed to have arrested a man from Hapur in Uttar Pradesh in connection with the theft of a gold and diamond-studded ‘kalash (ritual vessel)’ worth around Rs 1 crore, which was stolen from a religious event held in a park near the Red Fort, an official said.

The accused, Bhushan Verma, was arrested by a team from the Crime Branch late Sunday night, the official said, adding he has been further questioned.

Police had said the theft took place during a Jain religious event, organised by the Jain Parv Pandal in the 15 August Park, that was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The ritual pot disappeared from the stage amid the rush during the ceremonial welcome.

CCTV footage of the incident showed the suspect posing as a Jain priest and leaving the event after stealing the valuable item.

The official said teams were scanning CCTV recordings from multiple angles to trace the movements of the suspect after the theft.

Also read | Gold and diamond-studded ritual pots stolen during religious event across Red Fort

“On the basis of the CCTV footage and with the help of human intelligence, the suspect has been identified and arrested,” the official added.

The kalash, worth around Rs 1 crore, had been brought for daily rituals by a local businessman, Sudhir Jain.

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The religious gathering of the Jain community has been underway at the Red Fort’s 15 August Park and will continue until September 9. The missing pot was considered a key part of the daily rituals.

Police have increased security in and around the venue.

More details awaited

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