Two female passengers from Thane, aged 40 and 46, reported the theft of $25,000—equivalent to over 23 lakh rupees—from their checked-in baggage on a SpiceJet flight from Mumbai to Dubai on August 26, 2026.
- A formal FIR was registered at the Sahar Police Station on September 3, 2026.
- The passengers discovered their bag's lock was damaged and the cash missing upon arriving in Dubai.
- The funds, intended for wedding expenses and trip costs, were reportedly sourced from family savings and loans.
The complainants, who remained in their hotel for four days following the incident, returned to Mumbai on Sunday to pursue legal action.
The 40-year-old complainant has requested police investigate baggage loaders and ground staff present between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM on August 26, citing concerns that baggage handlers may have identified the cash during screening or transit. Authorities noted that CCTV coverage in some areas between the conveyor belt and the aircraft cargo hold is limited. No specific individuals have been charged as of yet. Sahar Police Station records indicate this is the 16th baggage theft case reported between January and August 2026, marking it the largest theft in terms of value within that period. Other recent incidents include a woman who reported the theft of six gold-studded rings worth approximately 15 lakh rupees in April while returning from Chicago, and two medical students who reported stolen items in late August.
SpiceJet’s official policy prohibits passengers from placing cash, jewellery, passports, and other valuables in checked baggage, stating that such items must be carried in cabin luggage. The airline warns that passengers who include valuables in checked bags do so at their own risk, limiting carrier liability for pilferage. Authorities and airlines advise international travelers to inspect luggage immediately upon collection at the arrival belt. In case of damage or theft, passengers are urged to file a complaint at the airline's baggage desk before leaving the airport, ensuring they retain boarding passes, PNRs, and documentation. Additionally, travelers carrying large amounts of currency are advised to comply with FEMA and RBI regulations by utilizing forex cards or banking channels rather than physical cash, which is subject to specific limits and documentation requirements.
