Bengaluru: In a major breakthrough, Bengaluru Police have recovered all eight medals stolen from the residence of former India hockey captain and Olympian M.M. Somaya, including his prized gold medal from the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Police have also arrested two suspects in connection with the burglary.
The medals were stolen from Somaya’s Bengaluru home while he was away with his family in Kodagu. Following an intensive investigation, police traced the accused and recovered the entire collection of medals along with other stolen items, including a camera, a Peeche Kathi (traditional Kodava knife) and an Olympic kit bag. Two men were arrested, while efforts are continuing to locate a third accomplice.
The recovered medals include the 1980 Olympic gold medal, a silver medal from the 1982 Asian Games, bronze medals from the 1982 Champions Trophy and 1986 Asian Games, as well as other international honours.
Expressing his gratitude, Somaya thanked the police department, Somaya said the recovery felt “like winning the Olympic medal once again,” and praised the Bengaluru Police for their swift and determined efforts. Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said the case was particularly challenging due to the lack of initial clues, but investigators successfully tracked down the culprits and recovered all the stolen memorabilia.
The recovery has brought relief not only to Somaya but also to India’s sporting community, for whom the medals represent an important part of the country’s hockey legacy.
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