Mumbai: Newly hired artisan absconds after stealing gold worth Rs 20.5 lakh

Crime may be linked to financial distress among jewellery workers. Representation pic/istock

A jewellery workshop in Kandivali West was hit by a Rs 20.5 lakh gold theft after a newly hired artisan allegedly fled with ornaments within days of joining. Police say the crime may be linked to financial distress among jewellery workers following the surge in silver prices.

The theft occurred on February 9. The complaint was filed by Safiqul Islam Habibur Rahman Mandal who runs SS Gold Polishing and Designing on MG Road. CCTV footage allegedly shows the suspect running out of the shop with the ornaments.

The accused

Main suspect: >> Aslam, about 25 years old, artisan, absconding

Arrested: >> Sahil Shaikh, 22 >> Ajifar Mujid Shaikh, 30

Both were arrested in Hyderabad. Police said they lived with the main accused in Nalasopara and worked at a silver jewellery unit in Vasai. Two more suspects, including Aslam, remain on the run.

Investigation status

>> FIR registered at Kandivali Police Station
>> Two arrested
>> Two absconding
>> Some amount of gold is recovered from arrested accused
>> Police are probing whether the group has committed similar thefts elsewhere

What was stolen

9 gold bracelets, 104 grams
Gold rings, 33 grams
Total value: Rs 20.5 lakh