Mumbai Crime: 2 Artisans Flee With Gold Jewellery Worth ₹1.25 Crore From Zaveri Bazaar; Police Launch Manhunt

Mumbai: In a shocking case of fraud, two artisans entrusted with gold ornaments for repair have absconded with valuables worth ₹1.25 crore from Zaveri Bazaar. The LT Marg police have registered a case against the accused, identified as Varun Jana and Srikant, for embezzlement and fraud.

Jeweler Nilesh Jain, a Kalachowki resident who operates a wholesale gold business on the second floor of Zaveri Bazaar’s Ustad Building, had regularly assigned jewelry-making tasks to the duo. Between January 1 and January 19, 2025, he handed over 1,536 grams of 22-carat gold ornaments for repairs.

However, instead of returning the repaired jewelry, the artisans vanished, leaving Jain unable to reach them. Repeated calls went unanswered, and eventually, their phones were switched off, confirming suspicions of theft.

Following Jain’s complaint, LT Marg police launched an investigation, verifying the claims before registering a case. Search operations are underway, with two teams deployed outside Mumbai to track down the fugitives. Officials are confident of apprehending the accused and recovering the stolen jewelry soon.