Gujarat HC Grants Bail to Man Accused of Stealing Over 2 Kg of Gold, Silver Ornaments Worth ₹2.67 Crore
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Gujarat High Court has granted regular bail to Mahesh Diyora, accused of allegedly siphoning off around 206 tolas of gold and silver ornaments worth ₹2.67 crore from a safe deposit vault in Surat.
The case stems from an FIR registered at the Singanpor Police Station in Surat City against Diyora and his son. The accused were booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to criminal breach of trust and cheating.
Jewellery Allegedly Sold Without Consent
According to the FIR, the accused allegedly conspired to open a safe deposit locker without the complainant’s consent and sold around 206 tolas of gold and silver jewellery valued at ₹2,67,80,000.
During the investigation, police allegedly found that jewellery belonging to other witnesses had also been sold without authorisation. The value of the additional jewellery was estimated at around ₹4.30 crore.
A co-accused, goldsmith Miteshbhai Bharatbhai Parekh, was also accused of purchasing the jewellery despite allegedly knowing that it was illegally obtained.
Court Notes Investigation Complete
While granting bail, the single-judge bench noted that the charge-sheet had already been filed and the investigation was complete. The court also observed that no further recovery was required from Diyora.
The court took into account that Diyora had been in custody since July 27, 2026, and had no previous criminal antecedents.
‘Bail Is Rule, Jail Is Exception’
The High Court reiterated the established principle that prolonged pre-trial incarceration can infringe an individual's right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The court observed that “bail is the rule and jail is an exception” while considering the accused’s plea for release.
₹25,000 Personal Bond, Monthly Police Reporting
The High Court ordered Diyora’s release on regular bail on execution of a personal bond of ₹25,000, subject to conditions.
These include surrendering his passport to the authorities and reporting to the local police station once every month, along with other standard bail conditions.
