Surat Police Reunite Stolen Labrador with Owner After Intensive 6-Day Search
In a heartwarming display of dedication, the Varachha police in Surat have successfully recovered an 11-month-old Labrador dog, named Jax, six days after it was stolen from its home. The police meticulously checked footage from an impressive 70 CCTV cameras to trace the missing pet, ultimately locating it approximately 10 kilometers away in the Dindoli area.
Owner's Distress and Police Intervention
The incident began when Mayur Nakum, a 20-year-old cattle shed owner, filed a complaint after his beloved pet dog, Jax, went missing. Police inquiries into the matter revealed a shocking truth: Jax had been deliberately stolen, not simply lost. R B Gojiya, the Varachha police inspector, provided detailed insights into the case.
"The dog named Jax went missing from near its owner's home in Vijaynagar 2 Society on February 4," Inspector Gojiya stated. "The family had acquired Jax 10 months earlier, when he was just a month old. Given their deep attachment to Jax, they approached us for help."
Meticulous Investigation Using CCTV Footage
Upon investigation, police discovered that an individual on a moped had driven up to Jax and taken him away. From the CCTV footage trail, we identified the person. He had handed over the dog to a friend, explained Inspector Gojiya. The police team dedicated six days to painstakingly reviewing footage from 70 CCTV cameras, following every lead until they pinpointed Jax's location.
"We located Jax after six days of intensive work, going through footage from 70 CCTV cameras. Jax was found in a society in Dindoli, which is 10 kilometers away from his home," the inspector confirmed.
Legal Implications and Emotional Resolution
According to police reports, the person who took the dog made no attempt to find its rightful owner. Since the dog was taken without consent, this act is considered theft under the law. However, the original owner, Mayur Nakum, who runs a cattle shed and maintains buffaloes for his milk business, was overjoyed to have Jax back and expressed no desire to file a formal complaint.
Inspector Gojiya highlighted the emotional value involved, noting, "When we first heard of the matter, we were informed the dog cost Rs 18,000. However, the emotions involved were truly priceless. We stand ready to file a complaint if the owner wishes, but his happiness at the reunion is paramount."
This case underscores the Varachha police's commitment to resolving even non-traditional crimes, leveraging technology like CCTV surveillance to ensure justice and reunite families with their cherished pets. The successful recovery has brought immense relief and joy to Nakum and his family, showcasing the profound bond between humans and their animal companions.