Surat News: A shocking robbery has shaken the diamond city of Surat. During the festive holidays, burglars broke into DK & Sons Diamond Company in the Kapodra area and looted diamonds worth over ₹25 crore by cutting open a multi-layered vault with a gas cutter. They also took away cash and the CCTV DVR to erase evidence.
Police officials, including DCP, ACP, the City Crime Branch, and a forensic team, rushed to the spot and began investigation. The heist, carried out with meticulous planning, has left the diamond industry in shock.
Heist During Festive Holidays
The incident took place at DK & Sons Diamond Company, located on the fourth floor of a factory building in Kapodra. From 15th to 17th of the month, the factory remained closed due to public holidays. Taking advantage of this, burglars entered the premises and executed the theft.
On the morning of the 18th, when the factory owner returned, he discovered that the vault had been cut open and valuables were missing. According to police, no security guard was present for three days, making it easier for the burglars to strike.
The 9 Steps of the Robbery
Police investigations reveal that the robbery was executed step by step, almost like a movie plot. Here’s a breakdown in 9 stages:
Step | Description |
---|---|
1 | The factory was closed for three days due to festive holidays, and no security guard was present. |
2 | Burglars dismantled the fire alarm system outside to prevent it from going off during the gas cutter operation. |
3 | They broke the wooden door, which was the only entry point, to get inside. |
4 | On the fourth floor, no CCTV cameras were installed, giving burglars an advantage. |
5 | They removed a glass panel to gain entry into the office. |
6 | A gas cutter was used to cut through the three-layered vault, creating a 12×10 inch hole. |
7 | Diamonds and cash stored inside the vault were stolen. |
8 | To erase evidence, burglars destroyed CCTV cameras and took away the DVR. |
9 | It is estimated that the entire operation took around 1.5 to 2 hours. |
Vault Cut with Gas Cutter, CCTV Cameras Removed
According to forensic reports, the burglars used high-end tools such as a gas cutter to break through the vault. The hole made in the vault (12 x 10 inches) indicates professional expertise.
They also removed CCTV cameras installed outside and near the vault. The DVR system, which stored all footage, was stolen as well.
DCP’s Statement
Deputy Commissioner of Police Alok Kumar said:
“This is not an ordinary theft. The burglars took advantage of the three-day holiday to steal diamonds worth more than ₹25 crore. They destroyed CCTV cameras and took away the DVR. The execution suggests a well-planned conspiracy.”
CCTV Footage from Surroundings Under Review
While internal CCTV was destroyed, police are now analyzing CCTV footage from nearby shops and streets. A forensic team has also collected physical evidence, including cutter marks and broken tiles.
Fear in Surat’s Diamond Industry
Surat, known as the diamond capital of the world, has been shaken by this incident. Nearly 90% of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished in Surat, and such a massive theft has raised concerns about security in the diamond industry.
Traders are demanding stricter safety measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Possible Insider Involvement
Police suspect insider involvement, as the burglars seemed well-informed about the factory’s structure, the absence of security guards, and the vault’s exact location.
Authorities are currently verifying details of both current and former employees of DK & Sons to check for possible links.
Location Details
The factory is located about 200 meters from the main road. To reach it, one has to go 100 meters straight, take a left for 50 meters, and then move straight again for another 50 meters.
The lane has nearly 50 shops and several diamond units, which suggests the burglars had prior knowledge of the exact premises.
Factory Owner’s Statement
Devendra Chaudhary, owner of DK & Sons, told the media:
“The company had stocks worth around ₹25–30 crore. Since there was a two-and-a-half-day holiday, the office was closed. Early morning, a tenant from the lower floor called and informed me about the incident. The stock had arrived only a week ago.”
Police Investigation and Action
- Multiple police teams, including the Crime Branch and FSL, are investigating.
- Teams have been dispatched to nearby cities.
- Call data records (CDRs) are being analyzed.
- Evidence from the crime scene, including gas cutter traces, has been collected.
Surat News Raises Big Security Questions
This incident highlights major lapses in security. The questions that now arise are:
- Why was the factory left unguarded during the holidays?
- Why was there no CCTV coverage on the fourth floor?
- How did burglars know about the vault and its contents?
- Could an international gang be involved?
Impact on Surat’s Diamond Trade
This theft has sent shockwaves across the diamond trading community in Surat. Being the global hub of diamond polishing and exports, such a breach of security has not only caused financial loss but also created fear among traders.
Many businessmen are now planning to upgrade security systems with advanced surveillance and round-the-clock guards.
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Conclusion
The Surat News of the ₹25 crore diamond heist at DK & Sons is more than just a robbery—it is a wake-up call for the entire diamond industry. With advanced equipment, burglars executed a meticulously planned operation, leaving behind minimal evidence.
The police investigation is ongoing, and officials hope to nab the culprits soon. Until then, this heist serves as a lesson in the importance of robust security for businesses handling high-value assets.