Theft / Festive Store Launch Turns into Gold Theft Conspiracy

Vadodara, Oct 14: In a dramatic theft that has shocked Gujarat’s jewellery trade, gold ornaments weighing 5.5 kg and valued at over ₹8.28 crore were stolen from a shop on Baghodia Road in Vadodara within just 12 minutes.

The complaint was filed by Himanshu Jain, sales manager of Mumbai‑based Yugant Gold Pvt Ltd. Jain, who regularly delivers ornaments to jewellers across Gujarat, alleged that the theft occurred while he was delivering jewellery to a new store.

According to police, Jain was approached by Bhavik Soni of Dakor, who claimed he was opening a new outlet named Shree Ambika Jewellers at Sai Ganesh Complex near Zaverinagar. Soni placed a large order, citing the Dussehra festival as the occasion for the launch.

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On the day of delivery, Jain carried two bags containing 5.5 kg of gold ornaments. While showing the jewellery inside the shop, Soni and Jain’s brother Neel left for lunch, assuring Jain that the bags were safe. Soni even locked the shop and kept the keys with him. Jain then stepped out briefly to use the washroom.

When he returned 12 minutes later, he found the lock open and both jewellery bags missing. Strikingly, other ornaments already present in the shop were untouched. CCTV footage later revealed two unidentified men arriving on a blue Suzuki Access scooter and fleeing with the bags.

Adding to suspicion, Bhavik Soni has since gone missing, with his phone switched off. Police suspect the theft was a pre‑planned conspiracy under the guise of a festive store inauguration.

Based on Jain’s complaint, Bapod Police Station registered a case and formed four special teams to track down the culprits. Raids are being conducted at multiple locations, and investigators are scrutinizing CCTV footage from nearby areas.