Fearing biz shutdown, partner robs gold; caught

Mumbai: Two days after a business partner committed theft, fearing that he would lose income if the complainant decided to shut his business, the MHB Colony police apprehended the accused and recovered the gold.  The police said that the accused was a partner of the complainant at his gold ornaments’ making unit at Borivali.

The unit was run by the duo where the complainant had told the accused of his plans to shut shop owing to heavy losses being incurred. Under pressure that he would lose income if the business was shut down, the accused hatched a plot to steal the gold ornaments to compensate for future losses, if any.

Sangramsinh Nishandar, deputy commissioner of police, zone eleven, said, “On Friday night, the complainant handed over 1.4 kg gold ornaments worth `43.12 lakh pertaining to their business.

The accused, whose name is being withheld to protect identity, however, went missing along with the gold. The complainant, whose name has also been withheld, checked with all their clients and establishments but could not trace the accused, following which, he lodged a complaint.” After a case was registered with the MHB Colony police station, officials gathered technical data and checked CCTV footage for leads. Officials tracked down the accused in the city; he was planning to flee with the loot when apprehended.

The police have recovered the valuables from his possession. The accused allegedly planned to sell them in another city as he was in need of cash, officials said.

A case has been registered against the accused under sections pertaining to theft and breach of trust as per the provisions of the Indian Penal Code. The accused has been remanded to police custody for further investigation.