Karnataka: Worker steals Rs 20 lakh from sealed house

HASSAN: A daily wage labourer Venkatesh, who burgled his employer’s house at Konanur in Arkalgud taluk after it was sealed following his death, was arrested on Sunday evening. He had stolen Rs 20 lakh worth gold ornaments and silver-based items with Rs 20,000.
HR Venkatesh, 39, is from Hangal village, Doddamagge Hobli, Arkalgud taluk. According to taluk health department sources, Lavakumar, 68, a priest in the same village, had been bedridden for two years as he was a heart patient and suffering with comorbidities. He was staying with his wife. While his younger brother, Kushakumar stayed next to them, his three daughters were married and staying elsewhere.
On August 10, the priest died at home after a bout of fever. As per Covid protocol, the swab samples were collected the same day. The test report indicated he was positive. He had contracted the virus from a relative who had visited him. Lavakumar’s family members didn't participate in his funeral which was carried out by the health department.
All his primary contacts tested negative. Their house was sealed for two weeks and his wife and Kushakumar's family moved to their cousin's house in the same village.
Kushakumar would check the house every two days. On August 24, he was shocked to find the almirah opened by miscreants who had entered by the back door.
The police suspected Venkatesh had pulled off the theft and nabbed him near Basvapatna bus stand. They recovered 410gms of gold ornaments, 3kg of silver material and Rs 20,000.