In Surat’s Kapodra area, two diamond artisans orchestrated a theft of diamonds valued at Rs 11 lakh during Holi, taking advantage of their access to the factory. Following a complaint, Surat Police conducted a covert surveillance operation and tracked the culprits to a notorious Chambal dacoits area.
Akash Shakya from Bhind, Chambal, was arrested first. During interrogation, he revealed that Kailashkumar Meghwal was in Rajasthan. Acting on this information, police traced and apprehended Meghwal in Sirohi district.
Authorities recovered diamonds worth Rs 6 lakh and two mobile phones from the accused, totaling Rs 6.2 lakh, while a search is ongoing for the remaining Rs 4.8 lakh worth of diamonds.
Police Inspector M. B. Osura said the theft occurred on Dhuleti, when the diamonds were stolen from the factory’s digital locker without any signs of forced entry, suggesting the thief knew the password. Investigation revealed that a gem artisan had been absent since Holi and his phone had been switched off.
The police operation involved disguised officers posing as laborers, allowing them to safely capture Akash Shakya and coordinate the arrest of Kailashkumar Meghwal in Rajasthan.
The investigation continues as authorities work to recover the remaining stolen diamonds and determine if additional accomplices were involved.
