Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 18
A shocking theft has been reported from the 'Food for Freedom cafeteria', run by inmates near the Poojappura Central Jail, considered to be the most high-security prison in the state.
The jail is located in the heart of the state capital city, and the theft came to light early Monday.
According to initial estimates, close to Rs five lakh was stolen after miscreants broke open the cafeteria door, accessed the office room, and looted cash kept in a locker.
The money was reportedly meant to be deposited in the treasury on Monday.
What makes the incident alarming is that the cafeteria is located in a high-security zone right next to the Central Jail.
Police suspect that the theft was carried out by someone familiar with the premises and the way collections were stored.
The theft came to light early Monday morning, after which the Poojappura police were informed.
While police have begun reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding areas, the cafeteria itself did not have surveillance cameras installed, a lapse that has raised serious questions.