New Delhi: The Delhi Police Crime Branch has made a breakthrough in the high-profile theft case of a diamond-studded gold kalash worth over ₹1 crore from the Red Fort premises. Officials confirmed on Monday that the accused has been arrested, with further details expected after interrogation.

The stolen kalash was part of the Jain religious festival Das Lakshan Mahaparv, held at the 15 August Park in front of the historic Red Fort. The 10-day event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, but was overshadowed by the daring theft.

According to the investigation, the accused disguised himself as a Jain monk and managed to steal a bag containing the 760-gram gold kalash, studded with 150 grams of diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. The item belonged to Delhi businessman Sudhir Kumar Jain, who revealed it had been in his family for generations and was valued at around ₹1 crore.

Recounting the theft, Jain said the incident occurred around 9:26 a.m. while dignitaries were on stage taking blessings from Jain sants. CCTV footage clearly captured the suspect’s movements, which enabled swift identification and arrest.

Police sources confirmed that the accused will be presented in court soon, and efforts are underway to recover the stolen artifact. The arrest has come as a major relief to organisers and devotees, who were left shocked by the audacious theft during a sacred event at one of India’s most iconic heritage sites.