A theft was reported at the official government residence of Mauganj MLA Pradeep Patel in Bhopal's Arera Hills area on Saturday, with the legislator's personal assistant losing a laptop, cash, ATM cards, a pen drive, and important assembly-related documents to unidentified thieves. The Arera Hills police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation.

PA Left Room for Two Hours

According to the complaint filed by Dr. Ramanand Patel, personal assistant to MLA Pradeep Patel, the incident occurred on June 7. Patel had travelled from Mauganj to Bhopal that day and was staying in Room No. 74, Block 3 of the MLA rest house.

Around 10:30 in the morning, he stepped out briefly to fetch water, latching the door from outside. He then went over to Room No. 39 to meet a colleague, where he remained for roughly two hours.

Almirah Broken, Valuables Gone

When Dr. Patel returned to his room at around 12:30 pm, he found his laptop missing. The almirah inside the room had been broken into. From the bag kept inside, thieves had taken a pen drive, two ATM cards, an undisclosed amount of cash, a Titan/Timex watch, and several documents connected to assembly work.

The stolen laptop was valued at approximately Rs 25,000. More significantly, both the laptop and the pen drive reportedly contained sensitive data related to Vidhan Sabha proceedings — a detail that has added urgency to the investigation.

Security of MLA Colony Under Scanner

The daylight theft inside a secured legislator colony has triggered uncomfortable questions about the adequacy of security arrangements in the area. The rest house, located in one of Bhopal's more closely monitored localities, is home to elected representatives from across Madhya Pradesh when they are in the state capital.

That a theft of this nature could occur mid-morning, without anyone apparently noticing, has drawn criticism and raised concerns about surveillance and patrolling protocols within the premises.

CCTV Footage Being Examined

Arera Hills police confirmed that a case has been registered against unknown accused under relevant sections, and the investigation is currently underway. Investigators are now examining CCTV footage from within and around the rest house complex to identify the suspects.

No arrests have been made so far, and the police have not yet issued any description of potential suspects. Officials said further details would be shared as the probe progresses.