Surat Gold Heist: Employee Steals 1 Kg Jewellery Worth Rs 70 Lakh After DRI Raid
Police in Surat have registered a case against a man for allegedly stealing one kilogram of gold jewellery valued at approximately Rs 70 lakh. The theft occurred after his employer landed in jail following a raid by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.
Threat of GST Raid Used to Deceive Family
The accused, identified as Lavkush Shukla alias Chandan, reportedly frightened his employer's wife with the threat of an impending GST raid. He persuaded her to move the family's jewellery and important documents out of their home to avoid potential seizure by authorities.
Shukla specifically advised against storing the valuables with relatives, claiming that officers might raid those locations as well. This clever manipulation created a sense of urgency and isolation for the family during a vulnerable time.
Locker Scheme and Subsequent Theft
The employer's wife, Dipti Maheshwari, already maintained a private locker at Pradhan Safe Deposit Lockers in Surat's City Light area. She accompanied Shukla to collect documents and valuables from this location.
They then proceeded to Orchid Safe Deposit Vault in Vesu, where they rented two lockers in Shukla's name. Dipti stored the one kilogram of gold jewellery, property papers, and other crucial documents in these newly rented lockers before departing.
Discovery of the Crime
The scheme unraveled when Dipti's brother, Ashu Gupta, grew suspicious after being unable to reach Shukla. When Gupta visited the Orchid Safe Deposit Vault, the manager revealed that Shukla had already changed both locker locks on December 29.
When the family finally contacted Shukla, he allegedly demanded Rs 54 lakh in exchange for the locker keys. He reportedly threatened to harm Dipti's children if the family failed to pay the demanded amount.
Delayed Police Complaint
With the family patriarch, textile trader Sanjay Maheshwari, still incarcerated following the DRI raid on December 25, the family initially hesitated to approach authorities. They filed a formal complaint only after Maheshwari's release and return to Surat.
Althan police have booked Lavkush Shukla under charges of criminal breach of trust by a servant and criminal intimidation. Investigators have dispatched a team to Jalaun district in Uttar Pradesh, where Shukla reportedly fled to his native place.
Broader Implications
This case highlights how criminals exploit moments of family vulnerability during legal proceedings. The accused allegedly used knowledge of government investigation procedures to create fear and manipulate his victims.
Police are now investigating whether Shukla acted alone or had accomplices in this elaborate scheme. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about trusting employees with sensitive financial matters during times of family crisis.
