BENGALURU, 11 MARCH

A 64-year-old woman has been arrested by Subramanya Nagar Police for stealing gold and diamond jewellery during an exhibition at a five-star hotel in Bengaluru.

The accused, Zahira Fatima, a former teacher from Udayagiri in Mysuru, was found with jewellery valued at Rs 8 lakh. The theft occurred between 17 and 19 January when Zahira visited a jewellery stall, disguised as a customer, and stole a diamond bracelet weighing 11.95 grams and a gold bangle weighing 59.1 grams. The theft went unnoticed until the store manager filed a complaint.

Following an investigation, police apprehended Zahira on 2 March at another hotel hosting a similar exhibition. Upon searching her residence in Mysuru, they recovered 78 grams of gold jewellery and a 12-gram diamond bracelet that Zahira had hidden.

Authorities believe Zahira may have been driven to commit the thefts due to financial debts.