PANAJI: A bag containing wedding gifts, including jewellery worth around Rs 20 lakh, was allegedly stolen during a wedding ceremony in Arambol while the family was occupied with a photo session.
According to reports, the suspects took advantage of the momentary distraction, picked up the bag, and fled the scene on a two-wheeler. CCTV footage from the area has captured two individuals seen escaping on a scooter shortly after the incident.
Mandrem Police have begun examining the CCTV footage and are tracking leads as part of the ongoing investigation.
Similar incidents have been reported in the past. In December 2019, a Miramar wedding reception was hit by a gang that stole gold ornaments worth Rs 30–35 lakh. Police later traced the case to a Madhya Pradesh-based group allegedly using minors for theft, with the main accused arrested in Surat after CCTV footage led investigators.
In another case in November 2013, thieves targeted a Dabolim residence while the family attended a Nikah ceremony in Verna. They broke in and loaded wedding gifts and household items onto a truck, stealing goods worth around Rs 2 lakh. Neighbours initially believed the movement of items was part of wedding arrangements.
