Ex-mortuary staff arrested for theft from Chinnaswamy Stampede victim's body

A former contract worker at Bowring Hospital has been arrested for allegedly stealing gold jewellery from a 13-year-old victim of the June 4 stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The Commercial Street police have arrested Stalin, a 32-year-old former mortuary assistant, for allegedly stealing jewellery from the body of 13-year-old Divyanshi, one of the victims of the tragic stampede during RCB’s victory celebrations at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4.

Stalin, who was previously dismissed from his job at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospitals due to alcoholism, was temporarily called back on duty due to the emergency situation following the stampede, which left 11 dead. During the post-mortem process, he allegedly stole a pair of gold earrings and a chain from Divyanshi’s body, items valued at ₹1 lakh and holding deep sentimental value for the family.

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The theft came to light weeks later when Divyanshi’s mother noticed the missing jewellery and filed a police complaint after receiving no response from hospital authorities. Stalin reportedly confessed to the crime, claiming he lost the stolen valuables after collapsing on the road while intoxicated.

Police are now reviewing CCTV footage from the area where Stalin collapsed to determine if the items were picked up by someone else. Despite the confession, the stolen jewellery remains unrecovered.

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