Pune: A shocking case of employee theft has surfaced at a prominent jewelry store in Ravivar Peth area.

The store manager, who had served the business for over two decades, was found to have stolen jewelry valued at ₹1.88 crore.

The incident took place at Kawedia Jewelers, a well-known establishment in the area, and has raised serious concerns about internal security within trusted businesses.

The accused, identified as Vipul Kantilal Gundacha, aged 46 and a resident of Market Yard, was arrested after a complaint was filed by the store owner, Nitin Pushparaj Kawedia, aged 44.

The shop, located in the bustling Govind Halwai Chowk vicinity of Ravivar Peth, has been a trusted destination for jewelry shoppers.

Gundacha had been an employee at Kawedia Jewelers for nearly 22 years and was in charge of store management, which granted him significant access to the inventory.

According to the police, the theft came to light on Monday, 21st October, when Kawedia observed that various gold items, including necklaces, bangles, and bracelets, totaling 4,700 grams in weight, were missing from the inventory.

Realizing the gravity of the loss, Kawedia approached the Faraskhana Police Station to report the incident.

The police launched an immediate investigation, scrutinizing the store’s security footage and internal records. Following preliminary evidence, Gundacha emerged as the prime suspect. Authorities traced him to his residence in Sahakarnagar, where he was subsequently arrested.

Police Sub-Inspector Arvind Shinde from Faraskhana Police Station is leading the investigation.