The market value of diamonds is Rs 80 lakhs and when the diamond trader frequently called up the absconding fraudster, he was intimidated not to contact him or else he shall be murdered.
A 44-year-old diamond merchant has lodged a police complaint before the Bandra Kurla Complex police station after a gang who claimed to be diamond brokers duped him to the tune of Rs 80 lakhs.
The victim identified as Premal Shah has alleged that the main accused was keep a track of his business activities since few months and after proper planning, the accused befriended Shah so that there was no room for suspicion.According to the police, the syndicate is believed to be operating from New Delhi and after the accused fled from Mumbai with the diamonds, he also threatened Shah not to ask for money from him or else he shall lose his life. Shah who works as a diamond merchant in BKC told the police that a few months back, the accused posed himself as a broker who can help him fetch good price for selling both his raw and polished diamonds.
"The accused initially gave few references of brokers which were already known to Shah. This helped him to gain his trust quickly. Gradually, Shah and the accused fixed a deal where total 458.37 carats of diamonds were given to the accused after he promised to sell them and get profitable amount. After taking it in his possession, the accused then left the city and began ignoring Shah's calls for money. After being convinced about the fraud, Shah registered the complaint on Wednesday," said a police officer.The market value of diamonds is Rs 80 lakhs and when Shah frequently called up the absconding fraudster, he was intimidated not to contact him or else he shall be murdered."We have booked the accused under section 120B, 406,420,504 and 506(2) of the Indian Penal Code. We have formed teams to nab the accused and are expecting arrests to be made soon. Further investigation of the matter is underway," added the officer.