Jewelry Theft Shocks Bengaluru Airport
In a distressing incident that highlights the vulnerabilities in air travel security, an elderly woman reported the theft of her gold and diamond jewelry from her checked luggage at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport. The victim, Shanta Ramesh Kashinkunti, 62, was traveling on an Akasa Airlines flight when she discovered her valuables were missing after a stopover in Abu Dhabi.
Kashinkunti, originally from Dharwad and currently residing in the United States, had checked in her luggage that contained approximately 790 grams of gold jewelry and diamond ornaments worth around Rs 8 lakh, along with $200 in cash and medicines valued at Rs 20,000. After her flight departed Bengaluru at 9:20 PM on November 15, 2025, she believed her belongings were secure.
However, upon arriving at Abu Dhabi International Airport, she found her suitcase intact but bereft of its valuable contents. Alarmed, she reported the theft to the airport authorities and reached out to Akasa Airlines’ customer service. Unfortunately, despite her repeated follow-ups, she received no satisfactory response or recovery of her items.
Upon her return to Bengaluru in January, Kashinkunti sought police assistance as advised by her relatives. The Bengaluru airport police took her complaint seriously and registered a case under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against unknown individuals. They have since issued notices to Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), baggage handling personnel, and Akasa Airlines, instructing them to provide CCTV footage and details of staff involved in the handling of her luggage.
The police are now investigating the case to ascertain when and how the theft occurred, focusing on identifying the individuals responsible. This incident raises significant concerns about the safety and security of travelers’ belongings in airports, emphasizing the need for stricter protocols and accountability in baggage handling across Indian airports.
The ongoing investigation is crucial not only for Kashinkunti but also for restoring public confidence in the air travel system. As the police delve deeper, the outcome of this case could lead to broader implications for airline and airport security measures in India.
