The Mandrem Police in Goa have registered a case against two employees of a Morjim hotel after a guest’s car was allegedly stolen from the premises under the guise of valet parking.
The incident occurred on June 17 around 6:40 a.m., when Siddharth Jain, a 36-year-old guest from New Delhi, entrusted his vehicle to hotel staff for valet parking. According to his complaint, the two accused, Likhit Dutt of Hyderabad and Ojib Uddin, also known as Shabu, took possession of the car and subsequently fled with it.
Following the report, police launched an investigation and have arrested Ojib Uddin, while efforts are underway to trace and arrest Likhit Dutt, who remains at large.
Incidents of valet-related vehicle thefts have surfaced in various locations across the country, raising concerns over security and trust in hotel services. This case underscores the legal concept of bailment, where the hotel or valet assumes responsibility for returning a guest’s vehicle in the same condition. When employees exploit this trust for criminal purposes, not only can criminal charges be filed, but the establishment may also face civil liability for the loss incurred.
Police are continuing the investigation, and further legal action is expected against those involved.