Sonani Jewels Rs 50 Cr Fraud: Trader Alleges Threats Inside CID Office

Surat | Gujarat — The Sonani Jewels fraud case has taken a dramatic turn after prominent diamond trader Ankush Nakrani, owner of Jusco General Trading LLP and Asianlab Grown Diamonds, lodged a complaint with the Surat police commissioner accusing the Sonanis and their aide Ashok Mehta of criminal intimidation and conspiracy. The complaint comes in the backdrop of an ongoing Rs 50 crore cheating investigation against Sonani Jewels owners Mahesh Sonani and his two sons, Jayam and Agastya.

Threats Inside CID Crime Police Station

In a shocking revelation, Nakrani alleged that he was threatened inside the CID Crime (Surat Range) police station at Bahumali building in Nanpura on September 25, where Jayam Sonani had been detained after being traced and intercepted at Surat airport.

According to the written representation, Ashok Mehta, described as a “well-wisher” of the Sonani family, arrived at the CID office late in the evening along with an accomplice. He allegedly used abusive language and issued open threats in front of police officials, warning Nakrani to withdraw his complaint against the Sonanis.

“Mehta told me in front of police officers that I cannot do anything to the Sonanis. He said he keeps the police and political system in his pocket. He even threatened my family with dire consequences if I did not back off,” Nakrani stated in his complaint.

Escape Allegedly Facilitated from CID Custody

The most explosive allegation is that Mehta facilitated the escape of Jayam Sonani from CID custody. Nakrani claims Mehta took Jayam in his private car from the CID office around 10:30 pm, after allegedly making CID officers speak to an unidentified person on the phone.

Nakrani and his associate Sandip Jasani followed the vehicle to the New Court building at Athwalines, where Jayam was shifted to another car. This maneuver allowed Jayam to slip away, raising serious concerns about collusion between the accused and law enforcement officials.

Complaint Under BNS Act Sections

Nakrani has requested the registration of a case under Sections 352, 351(2), 61(2), and 54 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act 2023 against Mahesh Sonani, Jayam Sonani, Agastya Sonani, Ashok Mehta, and unidentified persons.

“The Sonanis are very powerful and politically connected. Mehta is linked with an elite city club where IPS officers and senior officials frequently visit. I fear for my life and that of my family,” Nakrani alleged, pressing for urgent police action.

Rs 50 Crore Fraud Case Background

The Sonani Jewels fraud case involves charges of cheating worth Rs 50 crore, where he allege that the Sonanis duped him through fraudulent diamond trading deals. The case has already shaken Surat’s diamond industry, which prides itself on trust-based transactions.

Despite mounting evidence and detention of Jayam Sonani at the airport, Nakrani’s claims suggest that political shielding and influence-peddling are obstructing justice in the case.

Public Outcry and Questions on Police Role

The alleged intimidation inside a police station and subsequent escape from custody have sparked outrage within Surat’s diamond community. Industry voices are demanding an impartial probe and accountability.

Legal experts warn that if Nakrani’s allegations are proven true, it will not only expose corruption but also erode public faith in the justice system.

For now, the Sonani Jewels fraud case continues to unfold like a high-stakes drama—mixing money, power, and politics—while traders like Nakrani claim they are being forced to choose between justice and personal safety.