Washroom Heist: Luxury Fittings Worth Rs 35 lakh Stolen From 5-Star Hotel In Kolkata
Luxury bathroom fittings worth Rs 35 lakh vanished from Kolkata's Oberoi Grand hotel during renovation. An FIR was filed, and an internal probe is underway.
A renovation project at Kolkata's iconic Oberoi Grand hotel turned into a crime scene, with luxury bathroom fittings worth Rs 35 lakh vanishing without a trace.
The theft came to light when the hotel's shift engineer noticed something odd — a staggering 228 showerheads and eight designer ceiling fans had mysteriously disappeared. These high-end fixtures, temporarily dismantled and stored in a pantry during ongoing repair work, were nowhere to be found, Times of India reported.
An FIR has been filed in the incident, and police said the items may have been whisked away along with construction debris during the renovation process.
As many as 20 personnel from a private firm were given the task of securing the premises.
Lack of CCTVs and absence of adequate lighting might be reasons why thieves were able to pull off the heist without getting caught.
An internal probe was ordered by the hotel, which is also reviewing all recent construction activities and worker movements.
The Oberoi Grand in Kolkata began a major restoration and upgrade project in August 2024, announcing an 18-month closure to carry out extensive conservation work. Once the first phase is complete, the hotel is set to reopen with 50 redesigned rooms and suites, fully operational restaurants, banquet halls, and improved service areas, along with a modernised mechanical, electrical, and plumbing setup. A second phase, expected to last an additional 12 months, will bring the total to 200 renovated rooms and suites. The banqueting facilities, however, will continue to remain in service during the renovation.
First leased in 1938, this historic Kolkata property has long been admired for its grand colonial architecture. Notably, in August 2018, the hotel had also closed for 18 months — its first major renovation in 25 years — during which 50 rooms were added to its inventory.
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