Police in Pune's Pimpri area have launched a manhunt for a former showroom manager accused of orchestrating a significant theft of electronic goods. The individual is alleged to have stolen mobile handsets and smart televisions with a total value exceeding Rs 13 lakh over a two-year period.
Complaint Lodged After Audit Reveals Discrepancy
The case came to light when a sales executive from the company's distributor filed a formal complaint with the Pimpri police on Wednesday. The complaint was initiated following a routine audit of the showroom's inventory, which uncovered alarming inconsistencies.
Officers stated that the audit revealed a substantial mismatch between the number of items supplied to the showroom, the actual sales recorded, and the physical stock remaining. This discovery prompted a deeper internal investigation into the operations of the electronics outlet.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
The internal probe pointed directly at the showroom's manager. According to police officials, the investigation found that the accused had illegally sold more than 40 mobile phones and several smart TV sets.
This fraudulent activity is said to have been carried out systematically over the course of the last two years, with the pilfered goods collectively valued at over Rs 13 lakh. The method allowed the theft to go undetected until the detailed stock audit was conducted.
Accused Flees, Police Search Intensifies
Authorities report that as soon as the financial irregularities and theft were uncovered, the implicated manager abruptly left his job. He has since absconded, making him the primary suspect in the case.
A senior officer from the Pimpri police station confirmed the ongoing search, stating, "We are searching for him." The police are now leveraging various investigative techniques to track down the former employee and bring him in for questioning regarding the substantial loss incurred by the electronics company.
The case underscores the critical importance of robust inventory management and internal audits for retail businesses, especially those dealing in high-value consumer electronics.
