Jewellery missing from bank locker in Delhi's Kirti Nagar, police lodge case

Gold jewellery was allegedly missing from a Punjab National Bank locker at its Tagore Market branch in west Delhi’s Kirti Nagar , prompting a police investigation and concern among other locker holders. The complainant and her mother‑in‑law, joint holders of the locker, visited the branch on Tuesday. The locker was opened using the dual‑key system in the presence of bank officials, but the jewellery was reportedly gone. Police noted no visible signs of tampering, and no other lockers were affected. CCTV footage and bank records are being examined.

This incident follows a series of similar cases in India, including missing gold from PNB lockers in Lucknow ( ₹48 lakh ) and Daltonganj ( ₹85 lakh ) and other public sector banks, highlighting recurring concerns over internal controls . Banks’ locker arrangements are generally treated as lessor‑lessee relationships, with liability historically limited, but RBI guidelines now hold banks responsible for loss due to employee fraud, negligence, or security lapses. Compensation is capped at 100 times the annual rent of the locker if negligence is proven.

Locker agreements clarify that banks do not maintain records of contents and customers should obtain independent insurance. RBI rules also mandate board‑approved operational procedures, nomination clauses, internal audits, and key controls. CCTV footage must be preserved for at least 180 days, and access records are required for forensic investigations. Banks must also send SMS or email alerts after locker access.

Customers’ rights include receiving the agreement at allotment, notifications of access, lodging complaints with the bank, RBI, or Banking Ombudsman, and pursuing legal recourse through consumer forums or civil courts if losses occur. Courts have held banks liable where negligence contributed to theft.

As the Kirti Nagar case develops, police and bank officials are investigating whether the missing jewellery resulted from a security lapse, internal collusion, or another factor. Meanwhile, customers are urged to verify their valuables, and authorities continue examining all CCTV footage, bank records, and operational procedures to determine liability and appropriate remedial action.