A former employee of a private firm was arrested for stealing ₹46 lakh from the company’s godown at Patigadda, with Begumpet police recovering the entire stolen amount within six hours of the complaint.

DCP (North) S. Rashmi Perumal said that the incident took place on the night of June 20-21. “The accused, Giridhari Singh, 28, a native of Pureli village in Sarai, Madhya Pradesh, broke into the godown of Sun Steels Private Limited by entering through a gap in the roof. He then forced open a locker in the office cabin to steal the cash,” said the officer.

He had earlier worked with the company for three years but was removed six months ago due to inappropriate behaviour, added the officer.

Mr. Singh was aware of the company’s practice of keeping liquid cash in the cabin locker and used this knowledge to plan the theft. Following a complaint from the company’s Managing Director, a case was registered by the Begumpet Police.

Based on the CCTV footage and travel agency records, police learnt that Mr. Singh was attempting to escape to his native place by bus via Secunderabad. “Bus stands and depots were alerted, and his photo and details were shared with all police stations. He had used a dhaba owner’s mobile phone at Medchal, and CCTV footage from the location confirmed his movements. The driver of the bus he boarded also provided information,” explained the DCP.

With support from the Adilabad police, Mr. Singh was intercepted and arrested at the Maharashtra border. A total of ₹46.4 lakh was seized from his possession.

Police have advised business owners to verify the background of their employees, install CCTV cameras and secure their premises with proper fencing to prevent such incidents.