Burglars broke into the residence of former Indian hockey star M.M. Somaya at New Thippasandra in Bengaluru and took his prized 1980 Moscow Olympics gold medal, other international sporting medals, jewellery, and some cash. The incident, which took place in the early hours of October 28, came to light after the family returned from Kodagu district.

According to the complaint filed by Somaya, he had left Bengaluru for his native place in Kodagu with his family on the morning of October 25. Taking advantage of the house being locked and unoccupied, two unidentified burglars allegedly broke open the front door and entered the house around 2.34 a.m. on October 28.

Around 7.15 a.m., neighbours noticed that the door of Somaiya’s house was open. They alerted him. Subsequently, CCTV camera footage from a neighbouring house was examined, which reportedly showed two men breaking open the door and entering the premises.

Among the stolen valuables were Somaya’s gold medal won as part of the Indian hockey team at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, a silver medal from the 1982 Asian Games held in New Delhi, a bronze medal from the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul, and another bronze medal won at the 1982 Champions Trophy in Amsterdam.

The burglars also took silver cups, gold jewellery, including bangles, silver spoons, gold coins, and cash. The total value of the stolen property has been estimated at ₹3.53 lakh.

Somaya lodged a complaint with the Indiranagar police, who registered a case under Sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

The police are examining CCTV camera footage to identify the accused and recover the stolen valuables, including the Olympic gold medal and other sporting honours.