In a surprising incident at Mumbai airport, someone had their checked-in bag robbed, losing Rs 1 lakh in cash and a 78-year-old fountain pen on Wednesday. The victim, a 46-year-old director at a Manipal Group company, was traveling from Mangaluru to Mumbai when the theft occurred.
The person, Binod Kumar Mandal, suspected airport employees of being involved in the theft. He had to wait for nearly five hours in Mumbai before he could report the incident to the police. Upon landing at the domestic terminal, Mandal discovered that the number lock and zip on his bag had been tampered with. He had the cash in his bag for emergencies during a 2-day official trip.
Mandal mentioned that the fountain pen, valued at Rs 5,000, was a family heirloom gifted by his grandfather in 1946. Originally from Kolkata, Mandal expressed frustration with the authorities, stating that they test the patience of people instead of solving their problems.
“I am from Kolkata but have been working in Mangaluru with Manipal Tech Group Companies,” he said, adding that he had proof of the withdrawn money from the bank.
While Mandal is a frequent flyer, this was his first experience with baggage theft. He believes it is a coordinated effort involving people inside the airport, suggesting that the person scanning the baggage may have tipped off the loader who stole the cash where there is no CCTV coverage.
Police have initiated a theft case against an unknown individual.
