Surat: Elderly Shop Owner Accuses Brother of Mobile Phone Theft Amid Family Feud
In a startling incident from Surat, a 68-year-old man has formally lodged a theft complaint at the Varachha police station, accusing his own brother of stealing his mobile phone outside their shared business premises. The case highlights how personal conflicts can escalate into legal disputes, even within families.
Details of the Alleged Theft Incident
The complainant, identified as Nandlal Basantani, operates a sari shop at the Old Bombay Market in Varachha. His brother, Govind Basantani (58), is also employed at the same establishment, making the allegation particularly sensitive given their professional and personal ties.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on February 6, after the shop had closed for the night. Nandlal placed his mobile phone on a stone platform while securing the shutter locks. Upon returning, he discovered the device was missing and immediately confronted his brother, who denied any involvement or knowledge of the phone's whereabouts.
CCTV Footage Provides Crucial Evidence
Suspecting foul play, Nandlal reviewed the shop's closed-circuit television footage. The recordings allegedly showed Govind taking the mobile phone and subsequently switching it off. This visual evidence became the cornerstone of the theft complaint filed with the Varachha police, who have now initiated an investigation into the matter.
Underlying Family Tensions and Property Disputes
Police officials revealed that the brothers have been experiencing strained relations for some time, primarily due to an ongoing property dispute. This background of familial conflict is considered a potential motive behind the alleged theft, though authorities emphasize that further investigation is necessary to determine the exact reasons and circumstances.
The case underscores how unresolved personal issues can manifest in unexpected ways, even leading to criminal allegations. The Varachha police are continuing their inquiries to gather more details and resolve the situation, which has drawn attention to the complexities of family dynamics in business settings.
