The Delhi Police launched a frantic search after a South African BRICS delegate’s bag containing nearly Rs 3 lakh in cash was reported missing on Sunday — barely an hour before he was due to leave India.
Within 35 minutes, police traced the cab he had travelled in to Gurgaon and recovered the bag from beneath a seat. It was handed over to the delegate, Dumisa Morris Sobekwe, at 8.15 pm — around 30 minutes before his scheduled departure — said officers.
How the search unfolded
Police said Sobekwe had returned to The Lalit Hotel after visiting Ambience Mall in Gurgaon when he realised the bag, which contained US dollars and Indian currency, was missing.
Hotel staff informed the police and the information was subsequently conveyed to ACP Security and the SHO of Barakhamba Road police station.
Police received the information at 7.10 pm and a team was at the hotel in five minutes. Officers obtained details of the delegate’s journey and began tracing the cab.
The vehicle was identified and the driver was located at 7.45 pm. The bag was found under the seat, police said. The cash was recovered and, after verification, handed over to the delegate at 8.15 pm.
“The matter was treated with urgency as the delegate had a scheduled departure. Our teams immediately traced the cab, recovered the bag and verified its contents before handing it back to him. The prompt action ensured that he could leave without any inconvenience,” said DCP (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma.
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Police said the driver initially attempted to evade questions but later cooperated with the team.
The recovery operation was carried out under the supervision of ACP Barakhamba Rajeev Kumar. SHO Barakhamba Sube Singh, SI Anupam and Head Constable Akash Rana were part of the team.
Police said coordinated efforts of the hotel staff, security personnel and the police team helped recover the delegate’s belongings.
Sakshi Chand is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in New Delhi. With over a decade of experience in investigative journalism, she is a leading voice on crime, the prison system, and institutional governance in the National Capital.
Professional Background
Specialization: Her reporting focus includes high-stakes crime, national security, prison reforms, and traffic governance.
Key Coverage: She has been on the frontlines of major events such as the 2G spectrum case, the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, and communal clashes across Uttar Pradesh (Kasganj, Aligarh).
Earlier Career: Before joining The Indian Express, she was a reporter for The Times of India.
Personal Interests: Outside of her career in journalism, Sakshi is a National-level basketball player and coach, bringing a unique sporting discipline to her professional life.
Major Recent Coverage (Late 2025)
Her reporting in the latter half of 2025 has been dominated by a major terror investigation and administrative accountability:
1. The Red Fort Blast Investigation
Throughout November and December 2025, Sakshi led the coverage of a car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort:
Forensic Breakthroughs: She reported on the use of TATP and ammonium nitrate in the IED and identified the shops where raw materials were sourced (Nov 14-16, 2025).
The "i20 Route": She meticulously tracked the journey of the vehicle used in the blast, tracing it to a Pulwama-based resident who entered Delhi via the Badarpur toll plaza (Nov 12, 2025).
Victim Support: She recently reported on the Delhi Police providing a list of damaged vehicle owners to the Finance Ministry to expedite insurance claims for those caught in the blast (Dec 4, 2025).
2. Crime & Police Accountability
"Crackdown on Extortion Gangs": In December 2025, she reported on a syndicate that was blackmailing traffic cops. Following five arrests, the Special CP directed officers to report all such attempts (Dec 12, 2025).
"Corruption in the Ranks": She covered the arrest of five Delhi Police personnel by the Vigilance branch following a wave of public complaints (May 19, 2025).
Cold Cases & International Murders: She has extensively tracked the case of a man who allegedly killed his wife in London and fled to India, reporting on his "Proclaimed Offender" status and the denial of his anticipatory bail (May 2025).
3. Governance & Public Policy
"13,000 Homes for 90,000 Cops": A data-driven feature on why the majority of Delhi Police personnel are forced to live on rent despite the city's housing projects (May 4, 2025).
Traffic Decongestion: Using her interest in urban logistics, she detailed how the Traffic Police eased congestion on Vikas Marg by switching off signals and creating U-turns (April 2, 2025).
Signature Style
Sakshi Chand is known for a data-driven and investigative approach. She frequently uses forensic reports, CCTV analysis, and administrative data to go beyond the "official version" of a crime story. Her work in prison reporting is particularly noted for highlighting the legal and humanitarian conditions of foreign detention centers and local jails. ... Read More
On Sunday, the delegate realised that he had left the cash in the cab and approached the police for help (File photo)