India, June 6 -- The recent theft of gold and Rs.80 lakh cash from a Delhi Police Special Cell malkhana (store room) was due to alleged procedural lapses, as those responsible failed to deposit the seized money and jewellery in banks, as mandated by police guidelines, officials aware of the matter said on Thursday.

An October 2021 circular, seen by HT, requires all station house officers and investigating officers to deposit cash seized in cases as fixed deposits in national banks, and jewellery and other precious items in bank lockers.

"The circular, which was prepared with the approval of the then Delhi Police chief, Rakesh Asthana, was issued following the order of a Delhi court that had accepted the application by an IO and the then...