In a case seemingly lifted from a Bollywood script, an 18-year-old graphic designer and his childhood friend, a medical aspirant, have been arrested for allegedly stealing jewellery worth over ₹16 lakh from a shop in Indore. The police revealed that the duo cited inspiration from the 2005 film 'Bunty Aur Babli' and claimed financial desperation, partly triggered by job loss due to artificial intelligence.
The Heist and Arrest
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shrikrishna Lalchandani, the theft occurred on the night of December 22 in the Rau police station area of Indore. The accused allegedly made off with gold, silver, and diamond jewellery valued at ₹16.17 lakh. Following the crime, the two fled to Bhopal, where they were subsequently apprehended. All the stolen valuables were recovered from their possession.
AI Job Loss and Bollywood Inspiration
During interrogation, the young man disclosed his motive to the police. He stated that he had been working part-time as a graphic designer for an IT company but lost his job when the company adopted artificial intelligence technology. Struggling to make ends meet and coming from economically weak backgrounds, the pair reportedly devised the theft plan. The DCP confirmed that both accused are 18 years old; the man is a graphic designer, and the woman is preparing for the NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test).
The official further added that the teenagers explicitly told the police they were inspired by the Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji starrer 'Bunty Aur Babli', a film about two con artists. Their attempt to immediately profit from the crime hit a snag when potential buyers, suspicious because of their youthful appearance, refused to offer them the right price. Consequently, they had decided to wait and try to sell the jewellery after the Christmas holidays.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights a disturbing trend where real-life crimes mirror cinematic fiction. It also casts a spotlight on the socio-economic pressures faced by youth, including the emerging fear of job displacement due to rapid technological advancements like AI. While the arrest led to the recovery of the stolen items, the case raises questions about the vulnerabilities that can drive young individuals toward criminal activities. The Indore police's investigation is now complete with the accused in custody and the property returned.
