Hyderabad Jewellery Store Employee Steals 10 Gold Biscuits Worth ₹1.6 Crore
In a shocking incident in Hyderabad, an employee of a prominent jewellery store in Panjagutta allegedly stole 10 gold biscuits, each weighing 100 grams, with a total value of approximately ₹1.6 crore. The theft was discovered recently, and police swiftly solved the case within 24 hours, leading to the arrest of the suspect from his residence in Tadepalli, Andhra Pradesh.
Complaint and Discovery of Theft
The case came to light when Jins Sebastian, the manager of the Joyalukkas jewellery showroom in Panjagutta, lodged a formal police complaint on Sunday, February 15. Sebastian alleged that at 9 PM on Saturday, February 14, store personnel realized that 10 gold biscuits, each made of 24-karat gold and weighing 100 grams, were missing from the premises.
An immediate review of CCTV footage revealed the sequence of events. At 4:50 PM on Saturday, one of the store's workers, identified as K Gopalakrishna, aged 25, was captured on camera discreetly slipping the gold biscuits into his shoes and undergarments before leaving the store on his motorcycle. Gopalakrishna worked as a sales executive at the Joyalukkas outlet.
Police Investigation and Swift Action
Based on the complaint, the police registered a case under Section 306 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to theft by a clerk or servant of property in the possession of their master. Treating the offence as high priority, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Panjagutta, P Murali Krishna, constituted a special investigation team.
The police leveraged advanced investigative techniques, including detailed analysis of the CCTV footage and mobile phone data of the accused. This digital evidence proved crucial in tracking Gopalakrishna's movements. Authorities traced him to his house in Tadepalli, a location in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, and arrested him on Sunday night.
Recovery of Stolen Property and Legal Proceedings
In a significant breakthrough, the entire stolen gold, comprising all 10 biscuits worth ₹1.6 crore, was successfully recovered from Gopalakrishna's possession. Additionally, police seized a mobile phone and a motorcycle from the offender as part of the evidence collection.
The accused is set to be produced before a court for judicial remand, marking the next step in the legal process. This rapid resolution highlights the effectiveness of modern policing methods in tackling high-value crimes.
Implications and Broader Context
This incident underscores the vulnerabilities in security protocols at retail establishments, even those dealing with high-value assets like gold. The use of CCTV and mobile data analysis by law enforcement demonstrates how technology can aid in swift crime resolution, potentially deterring similar offences in the future.
The case also brings attention to the legal framework under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which provides specific provisions for theft by employees, ensuring that such acts are dealt with stringently. As investigations continue, this event serves as a reminder for businesses to enhance their internal security measures to prevent such breaches.
