Vikash Sharma

The spurt in petty crimes like mobile thefts and cash loot speaks volumes about the crash in societal values. However, a man in Odisha’s Sambalpur district has set an example by returning a bagful of gold ornaments worth Rs 20 lakh to its original owner.

This gesture of Tapas Chandra Swain, senior assistant at Regional Education Directorate (Sambalpur), is certainly inspiring and a hope that humanity still exists.

Sambalpur SP, B Gangadhar on Tuesday felicitated Swain and handed over a cash reward of Rs 1,000 as a token of appreciation.

“Tapas Swain had handed over the bag after he found it on the road. Later, the rightful owner came to the police station to file a complaint regarding missing of the bag. Later after thorough verification, the property was handed over to the owner,” said Sambalpur SP.

According to police, Swain had found the bag on road while he was returning home at SRIT colony. On opening it, he was shellshocked to find gold ornaments inside it. Without knowing its value, Swain waited at the spot with a hope that its rightful owner might return in search of the lost baggage.

As nobody turned up despite waiting for long, Swain then went to nearest Ainthapali police station and handed over the bag containing gold ornaments worth Rs 20 lakh to the cops.

Police officials said the baggage belonged to a couple who was travelling on a motorcycle.

“I had handed over the property to police after finding the bag containing gold ornaments. I also urge people to be honest as it gives immense happiness,” said Swain.

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