Antiques stolen from classical singer’s house

Burglars broke into the house of renowned classical singer prof Rita Ganguly in the high security New Delhi area and decamped with antiques and mementos, including one gifted by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Burglars broke into the house of renowned classical singer prof Rita Ganguly in the high security New Delhi area and decamped with antiques and mementos, including one gifted by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

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Police said the burglars climbed the wall of her house located at Safdar Hashmi road in Connaught Place.

“The burglars took items they found in the puja room, constructed in the lawn. They didn’t try to enter the house,” a senior police officer said.

Ganguly, a Padma Shri winner, came to know about the theft when she entered the puja (prayer) room at around 7am on Monday. She then informed the police.

“We have made a list of missing items, but cost could not be evaluated as the items were antique. A hunt is on to nab the thieves,” the officer added.

“I am very upset that they stole my heavy copper Saraswati idol. It was a gift from late Indira Gandhi,” Ganguly said.

Apart from the copper idol, which weighed 10kg, the burglars also stole a two-feet high silver lamp, an antique copper ghara, a copper round vessel and a copper candle stand.

In her complaint, Ganguly claimed that she discovered the theft when she entered the prayer room and found that the burglars had broken the window frame. “The thief must have climbed the pillar to escape, since there is no other opening. It goes without saying that the crime was executed by more than one person,” said Ganguly.

A case of theft has been registered at Barakhamba police station and further investigations are on.