A shocking incident has come to light in the Zaveri Bazaar area, where two artisans absconded with gold ornaments worth approximately ₹1.25 crore that were given to them for repair. The LT Marg police have registered a case of embezzlement and fraud against the accused, identified as Varun Jana and Srikant.
Nilesh Jain, a jeweler residing in the Kalachowki area, runs a wholesale gold jewelry business on the second floor of the Ustad Building in Zaveri Bazaar. Varun Jana and Srikant were well-known artisans to him, and he had frequently entrusted them with jewelry-making tasks. Between January 1 and January 19, 2025, Jain handed over 22-carat gold ornaments weighing 1,536 grams to the duo for repairs, valued at around ₹1.25 crore.
However, instead of completing the repair work, both artisans disappeared with the jewelry. Jain later realized this and attempted to contact them, but they were unreachable and did not respond to his calls. Subsequently, the accused switched off their phones, confirming Jain’s suspicion that they had fled with the valuables.
Upon realizing the fraud, Jain lodged a complaint with the LT Marg police. After verifying the claims, the police registered a case of embezzlement and fraud against Varun Jana and Srikant. A search operation is underway to trace the absconding accused. Two police teams have been dispatched outside Mumbai to apprehend them, and officials have assured that both suspects will soon be arrested along with the stolen jewelry.