Delhi Businessman’s Cook Nabbed in Odisha After Vanishing with Lakhs in Cash

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar, July 28, 2025 — A domestic worker who was once entrusted with daily meals and home routines is now at the center of a dramatic interstate theft case that has left a prominent Delhi-based businessman and his family reeling.

The trusted cook, originally from Odisha, allegedly fled the capital after stealing a significant sum of money from his employer’s residence. The incident has raised fresh concerns around the vulnerabilities that come with hiring in-house domestic staff without thorough background verification.

A Quiet Disappearance Raises Alarms

The sequence of events began unfolding last week when the businessman, who resides in South Delhi, returned home to find his cook missing. At first, it appeared to be an unplanned leave — but suspicions quickly mounted when the family noticed that a large amount of cash, reportedly in the range of ₹20 lakh, was missing from a secured area of the home.

With CCTV footage capturing the cook hastily leaving the premises late at night and carrying a duffle bag, it soon became evident that this was no casual disappearance.

Police Launch a Manhunt

The family immediately lodged a complaint with Delhi Police, triggering an intense search operation. Investigators from the local police station reviewed neighborhood surveillance, spoke with nearby residents, and uncovered that the man had likely boarded a long-distance train heading toward Odisha, his native state.

By tracing digital footprints — including ATM withdrawal locations and mobile network data — authorities were able to narrow down his likely whereabouts. With coordination from Odisha Police, the accused was tracked to a remote village in the Kendrapara district, where he was reportedly staying with relatives and laying low.

Arrest and Recovery

The arrest took place early Sunday morning in a joint operation. Police officials shared that the cook was found in possession of a substantial portion of the stolen cash, although he had already spent or hidden part of it. Authorities are continuing efforts to recover the full amount.

What surprised investigators was how calmly the man integrated back into his hometown, attempting to blend in as if nothing had happened. “He did not expect us to trace him so quickly,” said one of the officers involved in the operation. “But technology and local intelligence played a key role.”

A Breach of Trust

The businessman, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said he had employed the cook for over two years and had never suspected him of any ill intent. “He was part of our home. This wasn’t just theft — it was betrayal,” he said. The family is reportedly shaken and is now revisiting security protocols within their household.

Bigger Questions Around Domestic Staffing

This case has reignited conversations about the importance of verifying domestic workers’ identities and conducting periodic background checks. While many households across India depend on cooks, maids, and drivers for everyday functioning, a lack of formal hiring procedures leaves many vulnerable.

“It’s not about paranoia — it’s about prevention,” said a senior Delhi Police official. “As cities grow and more homes become dependent on domestic help, we urge residents to register staff details with their local police stations and ensure ID verification is completed.”

What Happens Next?

The accused is being brought back to Delhi on transit remand, where he will face legal proceedings. Police are also questioning him about whether this was a spontaneous crime or part of a larger plan. Investigators haven’t ruled out the possibility of others being involved, especially in concealing the stolen funds.

For now, though, one family’s sense of security has been deeply shaken, and the story serves as a sobering reminder of how even those closest to our private lives can sometimes become unexpected perpetrators.