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Former Indian hockey captain MM Somaya's Bengaluru residence was robbed, with thieves allegedly escaping with several valuable belongings, including his historic 1980 Moscow Olympics gold medal. The incident took place on October 28, and the estimated value of the stolen items, excluding the medals, is ₹3.53 lakh.
The theft has shocked the hockey fraternity, as the stolen medals represent some of the most significant achievements of Somaya's international sporting career.
Former Hockey Captain MM Somaya's Bengaluru Home Robbed
According to the police complaint, MM Somaya was away from his Bengaluru residence when the burglary took place. He had left for Kodagu in Karnataka with his family two days before the incident.
At around 7:15 AM on October 28, his neighbour Narayan noticed that the main door of Somaya's house was open. He immediately informed the former Indian hockey captain about the incident.
After receiving the information, Somaya discovered that several valuable belongings, including his Olympic gold medal, were missing from the house.
CCTV Footage Reveals Details of October 28 Theft
CCTV footage from a neighbouring property reportedly showed two unidentified men entering Somaya's residence at approximately 2:34 AM.
According to the footage, one suspect was wearing a blue shirt, while the other was dressed in a red shirt. Both allegedly entered the house during the night and stole several valuable items.
The police are examining the CCTV footage to identify the suspects and recover the stolen belongings.
1980 Olympic Gold Medal and Three Other Hockey Medals Stolen
The biggest concern in this burglary is the theft of four prestigious sporting medals belonging to MM Somaya. According to the FIR, the stolen medals include:
- 1980 Moscow Olympics: Gold Medal
- 1982 Asian Games: Silver Medal
- 1986 Asian Games: Bronze Medal
- 1982 Champions Trophy: Bronze Medal
The 1980 Moscow Olympics gold medal is particularly valuable because it represents India's historic achievement in international hockey. The stolen medals also hold immense personal and emotional significance for the former captain.
₹3.53 Lakh Worth of Gold, Silver Items and Cash Stolen
Apart from the sporting medals, the thieves allegedly took several gold and silver valuables from the residence.
The list of stolen items includes:
- Two silver cups weighing 72 grams each.
- One gold bangle weighing 10 grams.
- Six silver spoons.
- One silver pot.
- One gold coin weighing 8 grams.
- Cash worth ₹30,000.
According to the police complaint, the total estimated value of the stolen belongings, excluding the medals, is ₹3.53 lakh.
MM Somaya Urges Police to Recover His Stolen Olympic Medals
Following the incident, MM Somaya requested the police to identify the thieves as soon as possible and take strict action against them. He also urged the authorities to recover all the stolen belongings and return them safely.
The former Indian hockey captain is particularly concerned about the recovery of his Olympic and other international medals.
Bengaluru Police Register Case Under BNS Sections 331(4) and 305
The Indiranagar Police Station has registered a case in connection with the burglary under Sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The investigation is underway, with police examining the available CCTV footage to identify the two suspects and trace the stolen items.
The theft of MM Somaya's 1980 Olympic gold medal has made the incident especially significant, as the medal represents an important chapter in Indian hockey history.
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