Kolkata, Aug 17: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police has successfully recovered the stolen Padma Shri award of Bula Chowdhury, an internationally celebrated former Indian swimmer and Arjuna Award recipient, within just 48 hours after the theft.
An official from the state police confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft. The recovery was made possible through interrogating this individual. However, further details have not been disclosed, with a press conference planned later in the day, led by the Police Superintendent of Hooghly district.
Chowdhury, who served as a CPI(M) legislator from 2006 to 2011, expressed her gratitude to the police for their swift action in retrieving her award. Although she currently resides in Kasba, South Kolkata, her awards, trophies, and medals, including the stolen Padma Shri, were displayed at her ancestral home in Hind-Motor, Hooghly district, where the theft occurred last Friday.
Initially, the Hooghly district police began the investigation, but it was later transferred to the CID. Chowdhury regularly visited her ancestral residence to check on the preservation and maintenance of her accolades. During her most recent visit, she discovered that her Padma Shri shield was missing from its display.
Subsequent checks revealed that additional awards and trophies had also been stolen. Milan Chowdhury, Bula’s brother, residing at the Hind-Motor house, reported that there have been three previous robbery attempts at the location. He mentioned that police complaints were lodged each time, but attempts continued unabated. A police presence was maintained for a brief period but was eventually withdrawn.
–IANS
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/08/17/bengal-police-recover-bula-chowdurys-padma-shri-award-medals-one-arrested/
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Publish Date: 2025-08-17 13:30:00
