Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Apr 28: A wedding celebration in Arambol was marred after a gatecrasher allegedly stole a bag containing gold jewellery and a mobile phone worth around Rs 20 lakh from the groom’s family.
The incident took place on Sunday at the Ganeshotsav Mandal auditorium when members of the Palyekar family from Mandrem and the Naik family from Arambol were busy with a photo session.
According to police, the theft occurred around 3 pm when most guests had moved towards the food counter, leaving the bag unattended. Seizing the opportunity, the accused reportedly fled with the valuables.
The stolen items included an eight-tola gold necklace, a diamond ring, and a mobile phone.
A relative of the groom said that after the wedding rituals, both families were engaged in photography, during which the bag was left unattended.
Police investigations revealed that a well-dressed man with distinctive features was seen at the venue. He was reportedly moving around freely and even helped himself to food before committing the theft.
Officials from Mandrem police station, who reached the spot, collected CCTV footage from outside the hall. The visuals reportedly show a suspect fleeing on a two-wheeler driven by an accomplice.
Police said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the accused at the earliest.