Three unknown men have now been reported into the case filed by the Mumbai Law Enforcement Department after a minor boy was swindled out of jewelry worth about ₹85 lakh. What began as an innocent craving for momos was turned into a carefully orchestrated raid that shocked the victim's family.
This is an Incident - A Well-Set Trap
According to a police report filed on February 2, he was on his own near home at the time when three of the defendants approached the minor and then spoke to him. Sensing his interest in street food, they offered to buy him his favourite momos from a nearby stand.
Unfortunately, the “treat” had a peculiar package. The men reportedly persuaded the boy that the jewelry he was holding (or had some access to) was “unlucky” or had to be “cleansed” before he could eat. Or, reports say, the boy was deceived into retrieving the jewelry from his own home while his parents went out of town, disguised as a “magic trick” that would also multiply the gold.
The Heist
Under the sway of the gregarious trio, the boy handed over a bag that contained the following contents:
- Diamond-studded necklaces
- Gold bangles and rings
- High-end heirloom ornaments
The entire estimated value of the loot is pinned at ₹85 lakh. Having grasped the jewelry, the men had instructed the boy to hang out at a spot that they believed was a destination to feed the child. They never returned.
Police Investigation Ongoing
The theft was revealed when the boy’s parents returned home to find the locker empty. The extent of the scam was exposed when questioned by the child.
- FIR Registered: A case has been registered under the relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
- CCTV Footages: CCTV footage from the area is currently being analyzed to assist investigators in identifying the three suspects.
- Suspect profiles: The initial descriptions are that the men were in their late 20s and spoke fluently in the local dialect to gain the child's trust.
Safety Advisory for Parents
The incident serves as a reminder about the risks of exposing children to strangers, and the importance of having an understanding between them and the person at the end of their life. Police officials have asked families to:
- Do not tell minors the location of valuables or locker keys.
- Teach “Stranger Danger” especially about food, toys or money offers.
- Be aware of outside by community security networks.
