In a shocking case of employee theft, the manager of a well-known jewelry store in Pune, Kawedia Jewelers, has been arrested for stealing gold jewelry worth Rs1.88 crore. The incident came to light on October 21st, after a thorough investigation by the Faraskhana Police.
The accused, Vipul Kantilal Gundacha, aged 46, had been employed at Kawedia Jewelers for over 22 years. He held a trusted position as the store manager, which gave him significant access to the store’s inventory and assets. However, his long-standing trustworthiness was shattered when a serious theft was discovered at the store, located in the Govind Halwai Chowk area of Ravivar Peth.
According to the police, the theft was discovered when Nitin Pushparaj Kawedia, the store owner, noticed a discrepancy in the inventory on October 21st. After a thorough check, it was revealed that gold jewelry, including necklaces, bangles, and bracelets, totaling 4,700 grams , was missing.
Realizing the magnitude of the loss, Nitin Kawedia immediately filed a complaint with the Faraskhana Police Station, sparking an investigation into the matter. The police team scrutinized the store’s security footage and cross-checked the internal records, which led them to Vipul Gundacha as the prime suspect.
Authorities traced Gundacha to his residence in Sahakarnagar, where he was arrested. Upon further questioning, Gundacha reportedly admitted to the theft and the sale of the stolen gold.
The arrest of Vipul Gundacha has raised concerns about internal security at trusted businesses, especially those that deal in valuable commodities like gold. The police are continuing to investigate whether he had any accomplices or if there were any previous thefts linked to his actions.
This case highlights the risks businesses face when employees, who have access to large sums of money or valuable assets, betray the trust placed in them.
