Powai hotel theft case: Film director makes serious allegations against hotel staff
Maharashtra: A case of alleged theft has been filed against film director Rishabha Giri (28) at the Ammas Palace Hotel on Saki Vihar Road in Powai. Giri alleged that hotel employee Sadanand Chaubey (25) stole two silver bricks and ₹5.30 lakh in cash from her bag. Powai police have registered a case against Chaubey under Section 303(2) of the Indian Penal Code.
Recounting the incident, Giri stated that she was staying alone at the Ammas Palace Hotel from March 2025 to March 23, 2026. Due to her work, she frequently stays in hotels. She had purchased two silver bricks, worth approximately ₹4 lakh, with her earnings. She kept these and some cash in her bag. Because of her erratic schedule, she would leave and return to the hotel at different times.
According to Rishabha Giri, on March 10, 2026, when he needed money, he checked his bag. He found that two silver bricks and ₹1.30 lakh in cash were missing. He then informed the hotel staff and manager Rohit Andrew and requested CCTV footage to confirm the theft.
The CCTV footage was examined in the presence of the hotel manager and personal manager, Ahmed Khan, Shetty, and other staff members. The footage allegedly showed Chaubey stealing two silver bricks from his bag on February 28, 2026, and ₹1.30 lakh in cash on March 7, 2026.
Rishabha stated that when Chaubey noticed the CCTV footage being checked, he fled the hotel. Hotel staff tried to apprehend him, but his mobile phone was switched off. Giri initially thought Chaubey would return, so he did not immediately contact the police. Later, when they learned that Chaubey had gone home, they decided to file a complaint against him.
Powai police confirmed the case and stated that an FIR has been registered against Chaubey under Section 303(2) of the Indian Penal Code based on the allegations. Police stated that the investigation is ongoing and efforts are being made to arrest the accused soon.
The incident has raised questions about the hotel’s security protocols. Officials say that stricter security measures are needed to combat such thefts. Rishabha Giri also stated that she will be vigilant about her safety in the future and will exercise caution when staying in hotels.
The incident has also drawn attention within the film industry, as it highlights the importance of artists and ordinary citizens being vigilant about the safety of their personal property, even while staying in hotels. The police have appealed to the public to inform them if anyone has seen Chaubey.
