Unemployed Diamond Artisans in Surat Turn to Crime

Surat : In a troubling development reflecting the ongoing economic challenges in Surat, the world’s largest diamond cutting and polishing center, three unemployed diamond artisans were arrested for robbing a diamond factory in the Varachha diamond market on Thursday. The incident highlights the desperate measures some artisans are taking as they grapple with financial instability due to the prolonged recession in the diamond industry.

The accused, identified as Hitesh Dineshbhai Bhuwa, Jaidip Raghubhai Algotar, and Maulik Sureshbhai Gohil, were once skilled diamond workers. However, like many others in the industry, they had been without work for the past three months, a direct consequence of the economic downturn plaguing Surat’s diamond sector. Unable to find employment and under immense financial pressure, they resorted to crime as a means of survival.

The robbery took place at around 3:30 a.m. in a factory owned by Krunal Bhuva, located on the fourth floor of the Thakor Dwar Society Srihari Building in Varachha’s Mini Bazaar. According to police reports, the three accused entered the factory with their faces covered and threatened two artisans who were working the night shift. Brandishing a knife, one of the robbers demanded that the workers hand over all the diamonds and cash in their possession. Fearing for their lives, the workers complied, and the robbers fled the scene with 120 carats of diamonds worth approximately ₹80,000.

The crime has raised concerns about the rising number of robberies linked to the current recession in Surat’s diamond industry. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) P.K. Patel stated that multiple teams from the Varachha police station were immediately formed to investigate the case. Using a combination of human intelligence, technical surveillance, and CCTV footage, the police quickly identified and apprehended the suspects. It was later revealed that one of the factory’s workers had tipped off the robbers, leading to the successful execution of the heist.

During the arrest, the police recovered the stolen diamonds, along with two mobile phones and a motorcycle, all valued at ₹1.25 lakh. The investigation is ongoing, with further inquiries being conducted by the Varachha Police.

The diamond industry in Surat has been in decline for the past two years, severely impacted by global events such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Hamas war. These international crises have triggered economic slowdowns in key markets like the United States, which alone accounts for 60% of India’s diamond exports. The recent disappointing job data from the U.S. has further exacerbated the situation, directly affecting India’s diamond trade and employment.

Currently, Surat is home to approximately 700 large and 2,500 small diamond units, employing around 8 lakh diamond artisans. Including administrative staff, the industry supports about 10 lakh people. However, the recession has led to significant income reductions, with many artisans now earning less than ₹30,000 per month, compared to the ₹50,000 they earned previously.

The dire state of the industry is evident in the distressing data presented by the Diamond Workers Union Gujarat (DWUF) to the State Government. Over the past 18 months, around 60 diamond artisans have reportedly committed suicide due to financial strain and unemployment. The situation continues to worsen, pushing more artisans toward desperation and, in some cases, crime.