How Did Bengal Police Recover Bula Chowdury’s Stolen Padma Shri Award?
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Synopsis
In a swift operation, the West Bengal CID has recovered Bula Chowdhury's stolen Padma Shri award within 48 hours. The case highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by prominent figures and raises questions about safety measures to protect treasured accolades. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Key Takeaways
- Bula Chowdhury's Padma Shri award was stolen but recovered within 48 hours.
- One suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft.
- The investigation was transferred from local police to the CID.
- Chowdhury has expressed gratitude towards the police for their swift action.
- Security measures for high-profile individuals need reevaluation.
Kolkata, Aug 17 (NationPress) Investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police have successfully retrieved the stolen Padma Shri award belonging to renowned former Indian swimmer and Arjuna Award recipient, Bula Chowdhury, within 48 hours of the theft. An official from the state police confirmed the development, stating that one suspect has been apprehended in relation to this case, which led the investigators to locate the esteemed accolade.
However, the official refrained from providing additional details, indicating that a press briefing would be held later in the day by the Superintendent of Police for Hooghly district.
Chowdhury, who served as a CPI(M) legislator from 2006 to 2011, expressed her gratitude towards the police for their swift action in recovering her prestigious award.
Currently residing in Kasba in South Kolkata, Chowdhury had all her accolades, including trophies and medals from her illustrious swimming career, displayed at her ancestral home in Hind-Motor, Hooghly district, where the theft occurred last Friday.
The initial inquiry was conducted by the Hooghly district police, but the case was later transferred to the CID.
Chowdhury routinely visited her family residence to ensure that her awards were well-preserved. On Friday, it was discovered that her Padma Shri award shield was missing from its designated display location.
Subsequently, it was revealed that several other awards, trophies, and medals had also been taken.
Milan Chowdhury, the swimmer's brother who resides at the Hind-Motor home, mentioned that there had been three previous robbery attempts at the location. "Each time, police complaints were lodged, leading to standard investigations. However, the attempts persisted. At one point, a police picket was stationed there, but it was eventually removed," he stated.
Point of View
We recognize the importance of swift action in cases involving stolen artifacts, especially those that hold significant cultural value. The West Bengal CID's quick response in recovering Bula Chowdhury's award is commendable. However, this incident also underscores the need for enhanced security measures for public figures to protect their achievements.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bula Chowdhury?
Bula Chowdhury is an internationally acclaimed former Indian swimmer and an Arjuna Award winner.
What was stolen from Bula Chowdhury?
Bula Chowdhury's Padma Shri award and several other medals and trophies were stolen from her ancestral home.
How quickly was the award recovered?
The award was recovered within 48 hours of the theft.
Who investigated the theft?
The case was initially investigated by the Hooghly district police and later taken over by the CID.
What actions did Bula Chowdhury take regarding her awards?
Bula Chowdhury regularly inspected her awards to ensure they were preserved and maintained.
