Surat : CID Probe Deepens in Sonani Jewels Rs.50 Crore Scam

Surat |, Gujarat — Diamond City has once again been jolted by a sensational financial scandal. The Sonani father and son, directors of Diatech Pvt Ltd and Sonani Industries Pvt Ltd, are accused of pulling off a ₹49.96 crore fraud in the name of lab-grown diamond technology and rough diamond trading.

The case has turned murkier after revelations that one of the accused, caught by CID Crime officers at Surat airport, was allegedly illegally released due to the pressure exerted by an influential Surat-based diamond merchant linked to a prestigious city club. The incident has sparked outrage across Gujarat, raising serious questions about law enforcement and power play in the diamond industry.

“They promised 1,500 carats a month, but it was all a trap”

According to the complaint filed by Ankushbhai Madhubhai Nakarani of Jusco General Trading LLP and Asian Grow Diamond Company, the scam began in 2021.He alleged that Mahesh Bhagwan Sonani and his son Jayam Sonani lured him with claims of a revolutionary diamond production technology capable of producing 1,500 carats of rough diamonds per system per month.

“They convinced me that investing in 16 systems would be highly profitable. I trusted them and transferred ₹26.60 crore for the setup, believing in their promises. Later, they also took another ₹23.35 crore in the name of selling diamonds through an American firm, Signet. But neither diamonds nor my capital were returned. Instead, I was threatened for more money,” Ankushbhai revealed in his police complaint.

From airport arrest to shocking release

Acting on the complaint, CID Crime, Gandhinagar, launched a probe and swiftly nabbed one of the Sonanis upon his arrival from abroad at Surat airport. However, the investigation took a shocking turn.

A well-connected diamond merchant, allegedly in constant touch with the accused, rushed to the airport in his luxury car. By leveraging influence over senior IPS officers and applying immense pressure on the investigating officer, the accused was reportedly released without legal procedure.

“This is not just a case of fraud, but also of blatant misuse of power. Releasing an accused in custody under pressure is a direct attack on the justice system. This must be investigated at the highest level,” said a senior lawyer in Surat, demanding accountability.

Accused flee after case registered

Following public uproar, the CID Crime finally registered a case against the Sonanis. But by then, the accused had already fled to Mumbai, reportedly still in contact with their influential Surat-based partner. Sources suggest that a probe into his call records may expose the accused’s current hideouts.

Surat diamond industry, already under the scanner due to a series of scams, now finds itself battling yet another credibility crisis. The ₹49.96 crore Surat diamond scam has not only exposed deep-rooted fraud but also shaken public trust in policing and justice.