Odisha sanitation worker finds gold bracelet worth lakhs in garbage bin, returns it to owner

In a commendable display of honesty, a sanitation worker in Bhubaneswar has received widespread admiration after she returned a lost gold bracelet worth lakhs to its rightful owner. The worker has been identified as Saraswati Naik, a dedicated worker at the city’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at unit-1.

It was a normal working day for Saraswati. As a dedicated sanitation worker, she is responsible for waste segregation. While discarding the waste, she discovered an 18gm gold bracelet amidst the debris. Instead of pocketing the bracelet, Saraswati ensured that it was safely returned to its rightful owner.

She promptly informed the authorities at the facility, who then verified the ownership of the bracelet. Upon verification, it was learnt that the bracelet belonged to Deepika Mohanty, a resident in the thriving locality of New Forest Park.

Deepika had inadvertently disposed of her precious 18-gram gold bracelet in her house dustbin which was later discarded into the garbage bin. Following protocol, the necessary verification was conducted, ensuring the bracelet was indeed Deepika Mohanty's lost possession. 

After getting her lost bracelet, Deepika expressed her heartfelt thanks to Saraswati and her team for their integrity and willingness to return the valuable item. 

“I am extremely grateful for their honesty and commitment,” Deepika acknowledged.

Bhubaneswar's sanitation workforce often upholds this standard, regularly returning lost items of value. Their continuous dedication to ethical conduct sets a laudable example within the city's municipal framework. 

Such stories of honesty continue to inspire and uphold the trust within communities.