Diamond-studded Jewellery Worth Rs 17 Lakh Stolen in Transit from Chennai to Mumbai; Airport Staff Under Police Scanner

A parcel containing diamond-studded gold jewellery worth approximately Rs 17.24 lakh, sent from a private company’s Chennai office to its Mumbai branch, has been reported stolen during transit. The incident came to light recently, prompting the Airport Police to register a case of theft against unidentified persons and launch an investigation.

Preliminary suspicion points towards possible involvement of airport staff. As a result, all employees on duty at both Chennai and Mumbai airports on the day of the incident are being questioned, police sources confirmed.

Mahendra Pachar, a businessman residing with his family in the Vile Parle area of Mumbai, owns JMD Express Logistics — a company specialising in transportation of valuable items across states. The company has multiple branches nationwide, with its head office located in Vile Parle.

On December 7, the Chennai office of the company had prepared a parcel of gold and diamond jewellery to be sent to the Mumbai office. The consignment was dispatched via a courier service and was supposed to arrive at the Mumbai cargo section by air. Gheravchandra Lakhar, an employee, had been assigned the responsibility of receiving all incoming parcels from Chennai at the Mumbai airport.

While Lakhar successfully collected all other parcels upon arrival, the one containing the high-value jewellery from JMD Express was found missing. The missing parcel reportedly contained jewellery valued at Rs 17.24 lakh.

Following the incident, the courier company and the Chennai office of JMD Express reviewed CCTV footage but found nothing suspicious. It is suspected that the parcel was stolen mid-flight or during handling at the cargo sections. Once the theft was confirmed, Mahendra Pachar lodged a formal complaint with the Airport Police.

Based on the complaint and initial investigation, police have registered a case against unknown individuals under theft charges and have launched a detailed probe into the matter.

The police stated that the investigation is ongoing and efforts are being made to identify and nab the culprits at the earliest.