Pune: A shocking case of a minor boy stealing his grandmother's jewelry to impress and enjoy with a friend he met on Instagram has emerged in Pune. The incident, which unfolded in Ambegaon Budruk, has left the boy’s family in distress, especially after the father refused to take custody of his son.

The 9th-grade boy befriended a 24-year-old tattoo artist on Instagram. The woman, who had recently gone through a breakup, was seeking new connections on the platform. Their online chats quickly turned into plans to meet in person. To fund their outings, the boy stole his grandmother’s gold chain and sold it for ₹1.3 lakh.

The two used the stolen money for leisure activities, roaming around popular spots, including Fergusson College Road. However, the situation took a turn when the boy’s father filed a missing person complaint with the Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station. Acting swiftly, the police traced the boy and his friend.

Upon interrogation, it was revealed that the stolen gold chain was sold, and the money was split between the two. A theft case was subsequently registered against both the minor boy and the 24-year-old woman.

The boy was presented before the court, where his father refused to take his custody, citing the gravity of the act. Consequently, the boy was sent to a juvenile home. However, the police are counseling the family, emphasizing that staying in a juvenile home could have a negative influence on the boy’s psyche.

They have urged the parents to take custody and provide the boy with counseling to prevent further behavioral issues. Assistant Police Inspector Sameer Kadam is leading the investigation.