Rs 15-cr heist for children's future ends in disaster: Bhopal thief's dreams and bones left shattered after 25ft fall

A potential major museum theft in India was thwarted by a twist of fate as a thief, hiding in Bhopal's state museum on Sunday and attempting to steal priceless artefacts, fell from a 25-foot-high wall, resulting in a fractured leg and possibly a broken spine. The thief identified as Vinod Yadav, 49, from Gaya in Bihar, had planned the heist to provide better education for his children.

The thief, armed with tools to break into showcases and doors, managed to stash artefacts, some from the Gupta Age, worth an estimated Rs 15 crore in a sack. However, his plan went awry when he fell from the museum's high compound wall.

Police have emphasized the lack of proper security measures at the museum. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-3), Riyaz Iqbal, stated, "Security arrangements for such priceless artefacts were substandard. There was no alarm system. CCTV cameras were not working and the DVR could not be found. The doors were weak and could be easily opened with a strong push."

The suspect, Vinod Yadav, claimed he had visited the museum six months ago while accompanying a NEET examinee to Bhopal and decided to carry out the theft for his children’s education. He is now in the hospital due to his injuries.

Authorities are conducting a detailed check of the museum's inventory to ascertain if any items are missing. Additionally, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to further investigate the incident and determine if Yadav had any accomplices.

(With inputs from TOI)