A jewellery showroom in Ahmedabad's Anandnagar area fell victim to a meticulously planned theft executed by a group that included a minor, resulting in the loss of gold ornaments valued at more than Rs 3.13 lakh, according to police reports.
The Modus Operandi: A Distraction Game
The incident occurred on November 23 at Shri Laxmi Jewellers located near Omkareshwar Flats. The complainant, Bhavesh Mali (28), an employee, stated he was managing the counter alone as his colleague had stepped out for lunch. Between 1:45 PM and 2:00 PM, a group comprising two men, two women, and a boy aged around 12 entered the showroom in batches.
One pair asked to see gold earrings, while the others requested to examine silver items. This strategy of repeated queries and movements was deliberately designed to divert the sole employee's attention, creating a window of opportunity for the crime.
The Theft Unfolds: Child Actor at the Center
After the group left without purchasing anything, Bhavesh Mali conducted a stock check and discovered a small pouch was missing. A review of the CCTV footage revealed the gang's clever tactic. While the adults kept the salesman engaged, they discreetly signalled the child.
The boy then slipped his hand through an opening in the glass counter, skilfully removed the pouch containing the jewellery, and concealed it. The stolen items consisted of 48 gold earrings of various designs, weighing approximately 25 grams, with a total market value of Rs 3,13,000.
Police Investigation Underway
The employee informed the showroom owner immediately but approached the police later as he had to travel to his native place in Banaskantha for work. An FIR was subsequently registered on Saturday. Anandnagar police have booked unidentified persons for theft and cheating.
Authorities are currently analysing CCTV footage from both the showroom and the surrounding areas to identify and track down the suspects involved in this well-coordinated heist. The involvement of a minor points to a sophisticated gang operation exploiting child actors for such crimes.
