Sister-in-Law Arrested for Alleged ₹50 Lakh Jewellery Theft in Ahmedabad; Smart Lock Password Used to Enter Flat

The Isanpur police have arrested a 27-year-old woman for allegedly stealing gold jewellery worth around ₹50 lakh from her brother-in-law's residence after reportedly obtaining the password of the family's smart door lock from her young nieces, officials said on Thursday.

The accused, identified as Farhanaz Nasirkhan Pathan, is the complainant's sister-in-law and resides in the same residential complex at Royal Nawab Flats near Shah Alam in Ahmedabad. Police initially suspected the involvement of a professional gang as there were no signs of forced entry into the flat.

According to the police, complainant Nadimiya Kasambhai Bagban (36), a firecracker trader, lodged a complaint after gold ornaments, family heirlooms and cash went missing from his residence on the night of July 26.

Bagban told investigators that he and his family had locked their flat and gone out for dinner at around 7.30 pm. When they returned at about 10.30 pm, they found the bedroom cupboard open and valuables missing. As the Delta K-1 smart lock installed on the main door showed no signs of tampering, investigators suspected the offender had entered the flat using the correct password.

A case was registered under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, following which an investigation was launched under the supervision of senior Ahmedabad City Police officers.

Password Allegedly Learnt From Children

Police Inspector B.S. Jadeja and PSI C.L. Rabari led the investigation with assistance from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), fingerprint experts and the dog squad. Investigators also questioned family members and relatives residing in the same apartment complex.

During interrogation, Farhanaz allegedly confessed to the crime. Police said she frequently visited her sister's residence and had learnt the smart lock password from her two young nieces. Investigators further alleged that she knew where the cupboard key and jewellery were kept.

Financial Pressure Cited as Motive

According to the police, the accused was facing financial difficulties after her mother allegedly borrowed ₹14 lakh from a finance company, with an instalment due on July 30. Unable to arrange the money, she allegedly planned the theft.

Police said that after the complainant's family left for dinner, she entered the flat using the smart lock password, unlocked the cupboard and removed gold ornaments and cash before leaving unnoticed.

Investigators alleged that she later met her friend, identified as Sadiqali Abidali Syed, near Lal Darwaza and handed over the bag containing the jewellery to him. The valuables were allegedly concealed in the storage compartment of his scooter near Law Garden.

Entire Stolen Property Recovered

Following the accused's interrogation, police recovered the entire stolen property, including gold necklaces, bangles, chains, rings, earrings and other ornaments with an estimated market value of ₹50 lakh. The scooter allegedly used in the offence was also seized.

Police said the accused's friend cooperated with the investigation after learning about the case and voluntarily produced the stolen jewellery before investigating officers.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain whether any other person had prior knowledge of or assisted in the alleged theft.