Delhi Police apprehended five individuals, including a woman, in connection with the theft of the prestigious Padma Bhushan medallion belonging to former Panjab University Vice Chancellor GC Chatterjee. The incident, described as an inside job, has rattled authorities and raised concerns about security.The Arrested IndividualsThe arrested suspects have been identified as Shrawan Kumar (33), Hari Singh (45), Rinki Devi (40), Ved Prakash (39), and Prashant Biswas (49), all residents of Madanpur Khadar. Among them, Prashant Biswas, a jeweler, is alleged to have purchased the stolen medallion.Discovery of the MedallionThe theft came to light when Hari Singh, Rinki Devi, and Ved Prakash attempted to sell the medallion, which features two golden embossments, to a jeweler named Dalip. Sensing something amiss, Dalip informed the police, prompting swift action to apprehend the suspects.Police InvestigationUpon reviewing CCTV footage and gathering intelligence, the police identified the three individuals involved in the attempted sale: Hari Singh, Rinki Devi, and Prakash Biswas. Further interrogation revealed that Shrawan Kumar, employed as a medical attendant to Samaresh Chatterjee, the grandson of GC Chatterjee, orchestrated the theft.Recovery EffortsLaw enforcement managed to recover the stolen medallion, but efforts are underway to retrieve additional components, including the golden Lion Capital embossment and circular brass disk. These components are integral parts of the prestigious Padma Bhushan awarded to GC Chatterjee for his contributions to education and public service.Profile of GC ChatterjeeGC Chatterjee, the esteemed recipient of the stolen Padma Bhushan, served as the vice chancellor of Panjab University and Rajasthan University. Additionally, he held positions as a member of the Union Public Service Commission and chairman of the National Book Trust, reflecting his significant impact on academia and governance.The theft of the Padma Bhushan medallion belonging to GC Chatterjee, a distinguished academician and public figure, underscores the importance of bolstering security measures. As investigations continue and efforts to recover the stolen components persist, authorities remain vigilant in safeguarding the integrity of prestigious awards and symbols of national recognition.
