A wedding celebration in Bhubaneswar turned tense after a thief disguised as a baraat guest stole the bride’s gift bag containing Rs 3.5 lakh in cash and valuables.
The incident occurred during the ceremony when guests crowded the mandap. Taking advantage of the rush, the thief picked up the gift bag and fled. The theft came to light only after the wedding concluded, prompting the bride’s family to lodge a complaint at Nayapalli police station.
CCTV footage from the venue captured the suspect’s movements. Police registered a case and began an investigation based on the recordings. Officers assured that the culprit will be arrested soon.
This is not the first such incident in Bhubaneswar.
- February 2025 (Chandrasekharpur): Two thieves stole gift bags worth Rs 10–14 lakh in cash and ornaments during a wedding at Suryansh Hotel and Resort. Police later arrested one of the accused.
- February 2025 (Madhya Pradesh): A 20‑year‑old youth was caught after stealing jewellery worth Rs 10 lakh from a wedding mandap.
- December 2024 (Pahal area): Six dacoits looted ornaments worth Rs 40 lakh during wedding preparations.
Police advised families to keep gifts and valuables in secure locations and ensure CCTV surveillance at wedding venues. Authorities stressed that thieves often exploit festive crowds and disguise themselves as guests to commit crimes.
