A Mumbai magistrate’s court has sentenced 33-year-old domestic help Sakshi Chaukekar to one month in jail for stealing 171 grams of gold and 2.2 carats of diamond jewellery from her employers over time. The theft was discovered on August 5, 2017, when the couple noticed jewellery missing from their Parel high-rise home. After their own inquiry failed, they filed a complaint at RAK Marg police station. During the investigation, Police Sub-Inspector Ganesh Targe questioned domestic staff, and Chaukekar allegedly confessed, although she later denied this in court. However, police recovered the stolen items, some of which were pawned with jewellers and left with a tutor under the pretense of safekeeping. The court, led by First Class Judicial Magistrate Kanti M Pingle, emphasized the breach of trust by Chaukekar, noting that working couples rely on domestic help and such betrayal must be punished to deter similar conduct.

This case highlights the serious consequences of theft by domestic workers, who are entrusted with access to their employers’ homes and valuables. Courts have consistently emphasized the breach of trust in such cases, leading to significant legal repercussions.

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