Twelve individuals have been arrested in connection with a staged Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid targeting a jeweller’s residence and showroom in Gandhidham, Gujarat. The group impersonated ED officials and stole gold, silver, and cash valued at over ₹22.25 lakh.
The operation was led by Shailendra Desai, who planned the crime with a group of accomplices. This incident highlights security challenges faced by jewellers and the growing sophistication of impersonation crimes.
The Operation and Arrests
The group of 13, including a woman, posed as ED officers during a three-hour raid at the premises of Radhika Jewellers. Shailendra Desai, a former translator for the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), was identified as the mastermind. He worked with Bharat Morwadia and Devayat Khachar to recruit accomplices, including six locals with knowledge of the area. The recruits were promised commissions for their involvement.
After the jeweller filed a police complaint, authorities launched an investigation involving 10 special teams operating across Bhuj, Gandhidham, and Ahmedabad. Superintendent of Police Sagar Bagmar said, “The investigation involved 10 special teams led by officers from the East Kutch police and Local Crime Branch.”
Bagmar added, “We have concrete evidence against all 12 suspects.” One suspect, Vipin Sharma, remains at large. Among the apprehended suspects were individuals with varied backgrounds, such as Abdul Sattar Manjothi, who also runs a weekly newspaper, and Nisha Mehta, who was employed at a private finance firm in Ahmedabad.
Recovery and Ongoing Investigation
Police recovered the stolen items during the investigation. The suspects confessed to their roles in the crime during interrogation, and police are seeking their remand to uncover further details and locate the remaining suspect.
The jeweller’s son played a key role in raising the alarm after photographing one of the suspects, who had visited the shop prior to the raid. This evidence aided the police in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.
Implications for the Jewellery Industry
This incident serves as a reminder of the need for jewellers to implement robust security measures. Regular staff training to identify suspicious behaviour, installing surveillance systems, and verifying the credentials of individuals claiming to represent authorities can help mitigate risks.
