In a dramatic case of betrayal and premeditated theft, the MHB Police arrested Jignesh Kuchadia, a 19-year-old employee accused of absconding with Rs12 crore worth of gold jewellery from a national jewellery firm. Shockingly, the crime was allegedly masterminded by his father, Nathabhai Kuchadia, a criminal with a history of serious offences.
The theft took place on June 20, when employees of Gujarat-based JP Export Gold and Diamond Jewellery arrived in Mumbai to deliver jewellery. Jignesh, working as an assistant, accompanied senior salesperson Ajay Ghagda to an apartment in Borivali. Seizing the opportunity when Ghagda was occupied, Jignesh fled with two bags loaded with gold jewellery.
Promptly responding, the MHB Police registered a case and launched an intensive 72-hour operation under DCP Zone 11 Anand Bhoite. Initial suspicions focused on Jignesh, but investigations revealed the involvement of his father, Nathabhai, known for previous criminal activities including murder in Gujarat.
Police laid traps at key transit points including railway stations, airports, and the Mumbai–Ahmedabad highway, while special teams raided cities in Gujarat such as Porbandar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, and Junagadh. Intelligence indicated the suspects were heading towards Junagadh in Rajkot district.
