In a shocking incident of breach of trust, the owner of a Mumbai-based courier and logistics company has filed a formal police complaint against one of his own delivery personnel. The employee is accused of vanishing with parcels containing gold and diamond jewellery, along with a significant sum of cash, collectively valued at a staggering Rs 36 lakh.
Delivery Boy Disappears with Precious Cargo
The case, now registered by the Vile Parle police, revolves around a firm that operates from the famed Zaveri Bazaar in south Mumbai. This company specialises in the high-stakes transport of gold and silver ornaments, both into Mumbai from other cities and for distribution within the metropolis. Their standard procedure involves collecting packages that arrive by air and temporarily storing them at a delivery personnel's accommodation in Vile Parle East before final delivery.
The trouble began around the festive season. On December 20, the firm received two separate consignments of gold and diamond ornaments originating from Palghar and central Delhi. These were destined for jewellers in south Mumbai. A third parcel also arrived via air and was secured at the Vile Parle East accommodation as per protocol.
The Fateful Assignment and Disappearance
Come December 23, the firm assigned the delivery of these three high-value parcels to a 25-year-old employee identified as Ritik Chand. In addition to the jewellery parcels, Chand was also entrusted with Rs 1 lakh in cash meant for office use. However, instead of completing his deliveries, Chand allegedly switched off his mobile phones and disappeared without a trace, taking the precious goods and money with him.
The owner of the logistics firm, left with no recourse after failing to contact his employee, was forced to approach the Vile Parle police station. An FIR (First Information Report) has since been lodged, and a manhunt is underway to locate Ritik Chand and recover the stolen items.
Security Concerns for Precious Goods Logistics
This incident has cast a harsh spotlight on the security protocols within the niche logistics sector handling bullion and precious stones. The theft underscores the immense trust placed in individual delivery personnel and the potential vulnerabilities in the supply chain, even for established firms. The Vile Parle police are investigating all angles of the case, including Chand's background and possible antecedents.
The loss of Rs 36 lakh worth of assets is a significant blow to the business owner and raises serious questions about insurance and liability in such specialised deliveries. The industry, particularly in hubs like Zaveri Bazaar, may now be compelled to re-evaluate its handling and employee verification processes for high-value consignments.
