CCTV footage captured a suspect fleeing with sacred Jain ritual items, including gold kalash and gems, during the 10-day religious festival.
BY PC Bureau
Delhi, September 6, 2025 – In a major security lapse at the historic Red Fort, two golden kalash (urns) and other valuables worth around ₹1.5 crore were stolen during the ongoing Daslakshan Mahaparv, a 10-day Jain religious festival being held at 15 August Park inside the monument.
The theft, which occurred on Wednesday, September 3, involved a man disguised as a Jain priest, as revealed by CCTV footage.
According to the FIR, the stolen articles include a 760-gram golden jhari (urn), a gold coconut, and a smaller 115-gram gold jhari embedded with diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. These sacred ritual objects belong to businessman Sudhir Jain, who had been bringing them daily for ceremonies at the festival.
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Police said the theft took place when organizers were distracted by preparations to welcome dignitaries. CCTV footage shows the suspect, clad in traditional priestly attire, fleeing with a bag believed to contain the valuables.
Delhi Police claim to have identified the suspect and are confident of making an arrest soon. “We are working diligently to recover the stolen items and apprehend the culprit,” a senior official said.
Just Now 🚨 🚨
A Gold & Diamond encrusted kalash (urn) worth crores stolen from Delhi’s Red Fort during a Jain religious event.
When People were busy performing rituals outside, the urn kept inside was stolen.
CCTV Video 📷 #RedFort #Delhi #DelhiPolice pic.twitter.com/rYzsSgAiHH
— Mayank (@mayankcdp) September 6, 2025
Sudhir Jain expressed anguish over the incident, stressing the sentimental value of the kalash. “The gems are only decorative. The kalash is sacred and holds deep emotional meaning for our community, beyond its monetary worth,” he told reporters.
His relative, Puneet Jain, alleged that the same suspect had attempted thefts at three Jain temples in the past, raising fresh concerns about lax security during religious events.
The Daslakshan Mahaparv, which began on August 31 and will run until September 9, was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla as chief guest on September 2. The theft has since cast a shadow over the festival, prompting organizers to tighten security for the remaining days.
Police are reviewing more CCTV footage, working closely with event managers, and stepping up surveillance to prevent further incidents. Members of the Jain community have urged swift action, underscoring the cultural and religious significance of the stolen items.
