Diamond Artisan’s Theft Scandal Rocks Surat Diamond Industry

Surat : Surat’s largest diamond cutting and polishing sector, founded on faith and trust, has been tainted by a scandal involving theft and deception. In a recent incident, a diamond craftsman working in a lab-grown diamond factory in Katargam, Surat ruined the industry’s reputation by stealing high-value diamonds and replacing them with low-quality or synthetic stones.

Ajay Laxman Bhagora, an employee of Tushna Exim in Gajera Circle, Katargam, stole approximately 100 high-value lab-grown diamonds valued more than Rs 49 lakh during a six-month period. As a diamond packet recipient, he was responsible for stocking diamonds based on their size and weight. However, Ajay took advantage of this trust and painstakingly carried out his robberies.

The crime was discovered after the corporation observed inconsistencies in its diamond inventory. Suspecting foul play, they examined the CCTV footage, which revealed Ajay’s methods. The video proved that he had been deliberately stealing diamonds, replacing them with low-grade or fake stones, and evading investigation for months.

Jayesh Dilu Parmar, a manager of Tushna Exim, filed a complaint with the Katargam police station. Jayesh, who has been with the company for seven years, stated that Ajay Bhagora has been working for the last two years, getting diamond packets for the laser department and stocking the inventory. When the corporation discovered the scale of the theft, it decided to act quickly.

Ajay Bhagora has been on the run since the discovery, with his phone turned off for the previous few days. Katargam police have initiated a manhunt to apprehend the suspect. The incident has sent shockwaves across Surat’s diamond sector, which values the confidence and honesty of its employees.

This incident has dealt a huge hit to Surat’s diamond sector, which is well-known for its artistry around the world. The theft not only results in a financial loss, but it also raises questions about the reliability of personnel in a profession that relies greatly on honesty and faith.