KUTA, Bali – Bali police are investigating an unusual theft case after an Indian tourist reported losing the equivalent of more than Rp23 million (around US$1,400) following a suspicious encounter with strangers near her hotel in Kuta.
The incident, which allegedly involved an unidentified fragrant substance and several unknown individuals, has raised fresh concerns for visitors about staying vigilant when approached by strangers in popular tourist areas.
According to Denpasar Police spokesperson Iptu I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya, the victim, identified by her initials SOM, a 45-year-old Indian national, reported losing cash in several currencies with a combined value of Rp23,310,000.
The missing money included US$100, 9 million Vietnamese dong, 60,000 Indian rupees, and Rp6 million in Indonesian currency.
An Unusual Encounter Outside the Hotel
Police said the incident began on the evening of June 29, when SOM and her child left their hotel near Sunset Road in Kuta in search of dinner.
While looking for a taxi behind the hotel, they were reportedly approached by a man, a woman, and two children they had never met before.
According to the victim’s statement to investigators, the group initiated a friendly conversation, asking where she was from before one of them invited her to smell what was described as a pleasantly scented substance.
Moments after doing so, both SOM and her child reportedly began feeling dizzy and unwell.
Police have not identified the substance involved, and there has been no official confirmation that it contained any intoxicating or incapacitating chemicals.
Cash Reportedly Missing from Hotel Room
Investigators said SOM told police she was then led into a vehicle by the unidentified man, while her child was reportedly asked to point out the location of their hotel under the pretext of retrieving money.
Feeling increasingly unwell, SOM decided to abandon her dinner plans and returned to her hotel room.
It was there that she discovered cash stored inside a drawer had disappeared.
She later reported the incident to Denpasar Police, prompting a criminal investigation.
Police Investigation Underway
Police said crime scene investigators have examined the location and reviewed CCTV footage from surrounding areas.
Officers have also interviewed the victim and several witnesses as they attempt to identify those involved.
“The Denpasar Police Criminal Investigation Unit is conducting an intensive investigation into the victim’s report,” police spokesperson Iptu I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya said.
Authorities have not announced any arrests, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft remain under investigation.
A Reminder for Visitors
While police have not determined exactly how the theft occurred, the case serves as a reminder for travelers to exercise caution when approached by strangers, even in busy tourist districts such as Kuta.
Visitors are advised to avoid accepting food, drinks, or unknown substances from people they do not know, remain aware of their surroundings, and report any suspicious incidents to local authorities immediately.
As Bali continues to welcome millions of international visitors each year, police are urging both tourists and residents to remain alert while investigations into the incident continue.
