Mumbai: Inside a High-Value Jewellery Theft That Rocked Borivali
Mumbai: A major jewellery theft involving assets valued at nearly ₹6.80 crore has sent shockwaves through the Borivali region of Mumbai. The incident revolves around a trusted workplace relationship that allegedly turned into a carefully executed crime. Two salesmen employed at a local jewellery store are accused of fleeing with a massive collection of gold ornaments, diamond jewellery, and silver bars. The case has prompted swift police action and an interstate manhunt, highlighting serious concerns about internal security in high-value retail businesses.
Background of the Jewellery Store and Its Owner
The theft took place at “My Gold Point,” a jewellery shop located in Borivali, a busy suburban area known for its commercial activity. The store is owned by Rakesh Porwal, a seasoned jeweller who has been involved in the business of buying and selling gold, silver, and diamonds for several years. Porwal resides in the Chikuwadi area of Borivali and has built his business on trust, employing sales staff to manage daily operations, including handling valuable inventory.
Profiles of the Accused Salesmen
The accused individuals have been identified as Prabhu Singh and Narayan Singh. Both men are natives of Rajasthan and were employed as full-time salesmen at the jewellery shop. They hail from Kavaraiya village in Rajsamand district, Rajasthan, and had been living at the shop premises as part of their work arrangement. Their role included managing sales during the day and securing the jewellery stock at night, a responsibility that required a high level of trust.
Routine Security Practices at the Shop
As part of standard operating procedures, jewellery displayed for sale during business hours was stored every night in two iron safes kept inside a small room within the shop. This task was routinely assigned to the two salesmen. After closing the shop, they would usually bring dinner from a nearby lodge and stay overnight inside the premises. This arrangement had been followed without incident until the night the alleged theft occurred.
Events Leading Up to the Theft
On Tuesday night, operations at the shop were disrupted due to a customer arriving late. This caused a delay in the usual process of securing the jewellery. Before leaving for his home, Porwal instructed the two salesmen to store all ornaments safely in the iron safes. Trusting them to follow protocol, he left the premises. Unbeknownst to him, this delay may have provided the opportunity for the alleged crime to be carried out.
Discovery of the Crime
The following day, Porwal traveled to Dahanu for personal reasons. In the afternoon, he received an unexpected call from a female customer who wanted her gold jewellery valued. She informed him that the shop was closed and locked from the outside, which immediately raised suspicion. Attempts to contact both salesmen failed, as their mobile phones were unreachable and later found to be switched off.
Condition of the Shop and Missing Valuables
Alarmed by the situation, Porwal rushed back to Borivali. Upon arrival, he found the shop shutter closed and the iron gate locked from the outside, with the key still hanging in the lock. Inside, both iron safes were found open. A detailed inspection revealed that jewellery worth ₹6,79,85,000 had gone missing. The stolen items included gold ornaments, diamond jewellery, and silver bars, making it one of the most significant thefts reported in the area in recent times.
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
After Porwal lodged a formal complaint, MHB Police officers immediately reached the spot and registered a case of theft against the two salesmen. Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused fled the shop late at night after committing the crime. Given their background, police strongly suspect that they escaped to their native region in Rajasthan. Two dedicated police teams, including personnel from the Crime Branch, have been dispatched to Rajasthan to trace and arrest the suspects.
Broader Implications for Jewellery Businesses
This incident has raised serious questions about internal controls and employee verification in jewellery businesses, where high-value inventory is handled daily. It underscores the importance of robust security systems, regular audits, and background checks for staff. The case serves as a cautionary tale for retailers who rely heavily on personal trust without sufficient technological or procedural safeguards.
Current Status of the Case
As of now, the accused remain absconding, and the investigation is ongoing. Police are coordinating with local authorities in Rajasthan to locate the suspects and recover the stolen assets. The case continues to draw attention due to the sheer value involved and the manner in which the alleged theft was executed.