Olympic gold medal stolen from hockey legend MM Somaya's Bengaluru home
Burglars took the 1980 Moscow Olympics gold medal and other sporting honours from the residence of former Indian hockey captain MM Somaya.
Burglars broke into the New Thippasandra residence of former Indian hockey star MM Somaya in Bengaluru during the early hours of October 28. According to The Hindu, the thieves stole his 1980 Moscow Olympics gold medal, several other international sporting medals, jewellery, and cash.
The theft occurred while Somaya and his family were away in Kodagu district. CCTV footage from a neighbouring house reportedly showed two unidentified men breaking open the front door and entering the premises at approximately 2.34 a.m. on October 28.
The stolen sporting memorabilia includes a silver medal from the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi, a bronze medal from the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul, and a bronze medal from the 1982 Champions Trophy in Amsterdam. Other stolen items include two silver cups, a gold bangle, six silver spoons, a silver pot, a gold coin, and Rs 30,000 in cash.
The total value of the stolen property is estimated at Rs 3.53 lakh. Somaya, who captained the Indian hockey team at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, described the 1980 gold medal as an irreplaceable symbol of dedication and service to the country.
Indiranagar Police have registered a case under Sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Deputy Commissioner of Police (East Division) Vikram Amte said two special teams have been formed to track the accused and recover the valuables.
Somaya has written to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar seeking intervention for a thorough investigation into the theft of the medal.