A shocking case of theft involving jewellery worth nearly ₹6.80 crore has come to light in the Borivali area of Mumbai, where two salesmen employed at a jewellery shop allegedly decamped with gold ornaments, diamond jewellery and silver bars. Based on a complaint filed by the shop owner, the MHB Police have registered a case of theft against both accused and launched a manhunt.
The accused have been identified as Prabhu Singh and Narayan Singh, both natives of Rajasthan. Since they have absconded after the incident, police suspect that the duo may have fled to their native village in Rajasthan. Two police teams have been dispatched there to trace and arrest them.
The incident took place between around 10.30 pm on Tuesday and 1.30 pm on Wednesday at ‘My Gold Point’ jewellery shop in Borivali. The shop is owned by jeweller Rakesh Porwal, a resident of the Chikuwadi area in Borivali, who is engaged in the business of buying and selling gold, silver and diamonds. Prabhu Singh and Narayan Singh were working as salesmen at the shop and are residents of Kavaraiya village in Rajsamand district, Rajasthan.
As per routine practice, jewellery kept for sale during the day was stored in two iron safes located in a small room inside the shop before closing. Porwal had entrusted this responsibility to the two salesmen. After completing daily work, both accused would bring dinner from a nearby lodge and stay overnight inside the shop.
On Tuesday night, due to a customer arriving late, there was a delay in storing the jewellery. Porwal instructed the two salesmen to secure the ornaments in the safes before leaving for his home. The next day, Porwal had gone to Dahanu for personal work. In the afternoon, he received a call from a female customer seeking valuation of her gold jewellery. She informed him that the shop was closed and locked from outside, raising his suspicion.
When Porwal tried contacting both salesmen, their calls went unanswered and their mobile phones were later found to be switched off. He immediately returned to Borivali, where he found the shop shutter closed and the iron gate locked from outside, with the key left in the lock. Upon entering the shop, he discovered that both safes were open and jewellery worth ₹6,79,85,000, including gold ornaments, diamond jewellery and silver bars, was missing.
Following the complaint, MHB Police rushed to the spot and registered a theft case against Prabhu Singh and Narayan Singh. Preliminary investigation indicates that the duo fled after committing the theft late at night. As they are residents of Rajasthan, police believe they may have escaped to their native place. Local police, along with two teams from the Crime Branch, have been dispatched to Rajasthan to nab the accused.