A major theft at the official Harding Road residence of former Bihar minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tej Pratap Yadav has sent shockwaves through Bihar's political circles. Cash, gold jewellery, high-end electronic devices and sensitive digital storage equipment have been missing from the VVIP residence, as reported by Patna Secretariat Police Station. Security at government properties is now more than ever and it is not the first time the property has been stolen.
Tej Pratap Yadav has accused his former associate Motilal Rai of having been involved in the alleged theft. Police are investigating the case as a top-level investigation has begun and officers have already been at the residence to collect evidence and investigate the circumstances of the theft of the valuables.
Cash and High-End Gadgets Cleaned Out
The alleged theft came to light on June 22 when ₹20 lakh in cash, according to the report, was missing from a cupboard for party-related expenses. After that discovery, the house was searched and a few things were found to have disappeared.
Inventory of Stolen Items
Cash
Almost ₹20 lakh
Gold Jewellery
- One gold chain weighing around two tolas.
- One gold ring.
Apple Devices
- One MacBook laptop.
- One iPad.
- Four iPhone Pro Max smartphones.
Storage Devices
- Two hard disks.
- Four pen drives.
Other Electronics
- One Lenovo laptop.
Apart from the monetary value of the stolen items, investigators should also look at the relevance of the missing storage devices that may contain some of the personal, political or official data. It is estimated that the stolen items cost a couple of lakhs of rupees.
Police Launch High-Level Investigation
Following the complaint, senior police officials from the Secretariat police station visited the Harding Road residence to survey the scene and gather forensic evidence. Police are going to question people linked to the property and they’re also investigating any existing security arrangements.
Secretariat Range DSP Dr. Anu confirmed that there is an investigation in progress.
DSP Statement
"The theft was reported to the police. The police are investigating the matter. We will take further action when we have all the facts."
Officials will look at CCTV footage, staff records, and the movements of people who had access to the residence in the days leading up to the incident, officials said.
A Repeat Security Breach Raises Questions
The recent theft has revived fears because a similar incident occurred at the same residence in 2022. Cash and valuables were also reported missing, and Tej Pratap Yadav had filed a complaint against Chandan who kept the property.
The current instance of such incidents that happen at a VVIP residence has raised serious questions about the security protocols, staff verification procedures, and internal control systems. If high-profile properties with security measures can see repeated thefts, political experts have said, so too can security, and the safeguarding of sensitive facilities and assets is more than just security features that will be guaranteed.
As the investigation goes on, the focus is on whether the stolen valuables can be retrieved and whether the allegations against the former associate are supported by evidence. And Bihar politics will be closely following the case on the horizon for the coming days.
