New Delhi: A golden, jewel-encrusted ceremonial Kalash (sacred vessel) valued at ₹1 crore was stolen from the Red Fort during an ongoing Jain religious event, Delhi Police said on Saturday.

According to police, the Kalash weighed around 760 grams of gold and was further adorned with approximately 150 grams of diamonds, rubies and emeralds. It was regularly brought to the venue by businessman Sudhir Jain, who used it for daily prayers.

Lamenting his loss, he said that the precious piece of metal belongs to his ancestors, and he was hopeful of getting it back soon, as assured by the Delhi Police.

“Last Tuesday, it disappeared from the stage in the middle of the programme. The suspect’s activities have been captured in CCTV footage,” police said.

Theft during ceremony

The theft took place, during the ‘Daslakshan Mahaparv’, a 10-day festival being held at the 15 August Park inside the historic monument. The thief came disguised as a Jain priest and stole the diamond-studded kalash and other valuables, showed the CCTV footage.

According to police, the incident occurred around 9:26 am, at a time when the organisers were busy welcoming dignitaries, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who was present on stage and taking blessings from Jain saints.

CCTV footage shows the suspect, disguised as a Jain priest walking away with a bag likely containing the valuables.

Officials confirmed that the accused has been identified and added that an arrest is expected soon, with dedicated teams working on the case.

Ongoing religious event

The Jain religious programme, which recently began at the Red Fort, is scheduled to continue until September 9. The theft has raised concerns over the safety of the iconic Mughal-era fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also serves as a venue of national significance, where the Prime Minister hoists the Tricolour on Independence Day.

Security concerns at Red Fort

This incident has again highlighted lapses in security at the Red Fort. In a previous case, seven Delhi Police personnel, including Constables and Head Constables, were suspended after failing to detect a dummy bomb during a pre-Independence Day security drill.

(With agency inputs)