Dubai-Mumbai Flight Theft: ₹2.28 Crore Stolen

A 67-year-old former garment businessman from Surat has filed a complaint with the Mumbai police, alleging that two men stole 1.5 kg of gold, ₹1.95 crore in cash, and 1.28 lakh UAE dirhams, worth approximately ₹33.35 lakh, during a Dubai-Mumbai flight.

The complainant, Abdul Rajjak Umarbhai Sodagar, had been operating a garment business in Surat, but it had remained shut for the past four months. He was looking for a new business opportunity and had come into contact with Mohammad Asif, a resident of Kerala, who claimed to be involved in the purchase and sale of gold and other businesses.

Asif proposed a partnership to Sodagar, suggesting that they purchase gold in Dubai, bring it to India after paying the applicable customs duty, and sell it here, with the profits to be shared equally. However, Sodagar did not have sufficient funds to invest, so he approached a gold businessman in Gujarat, who agreed to provide him credit to purchase gold in Dubai on the condition that Sodagar would sell the gold only to him.

On August 12, Sodagar travelled to Dubai and purchased 1.5 kg of gold, comprising two gold bars. He claimed that the purchase was legal and that he had the relevant documents. On August 15, while returning to India on Emirates flight EK508, Sodagar received a call from Asif at Dubai airport, who introduced him to Niyas Mohammad Katumadthil, who was travelling on the same flight.

Niyas allegedly offered to help Sodagar carry his black-coloured bag containing the valuables after the flight landed at Mumbai airport. However, after completing immigration, Niyas allegedly walked away from the declaration area with the bag. Due to his age and health condition, Sodagar could not follow him quickly.

Sodagar later learnt that Niyas had shown a Bengaluru flight ticket and entered the departure area. Further inquiry allegedly revealed that Niyas's friend, Mohammad Harris Thambuthodi, was also travelling on the same flight. Sodagar alleged that the two had conspired to cheat him and steal the valuables.

The total value of the stolen items is approximately ₹2.28 crore. The Mumbai police have registered a case of cheating and theft and are investigating the matter.

The incident highlights the importance of being cautious when dealing with strangers, especially in situations where valuable items are involved. It also raises concerns about the security measures in place at airports to prevent such incidents.

The police are still investigating the case and are trying to track down the accused. The incident has caused significant financial loss to Sodagar, and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold.

In recent years, there have been several cases of theft and cheating reported at airports in India. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for increased vigilance and security measures to prevent such crimes.

The Mumbai police have urged passengers to be cautious when travelling with valuable items and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately. The case is still under investigation, and the police are working to recover the stolen items and bring the accused to justice.

The incident has also raised questions about the role of airport security in preventing such crimes. The police are investigating whether there were any lapses in security that allowed the accused to escape with the stolen items.

In conclusion, the theft of ₹2.28 crore worth of valuables from a 67-year-old Surat businessman during a Dubai-Mumbai flight is a serious incident that highlights the need for increased security measures at airports. The Mumbai police are investigating the case, and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold.