Laptop stolen from tea stall in Chandkheda after OLX deal goes awry

A 29-year-old photographer has filed a police complaint after his laptop, kept temporarily at a tea stall below his studio in Chandkheda, was allegedly stolen by an unidentified person following an online resale inquiry through OLX, police said.

The incident dates back to December 4, when Smit Anand, proprietor of Nok Studio, was contacted by a man identifying himself as Nainesh Patel alias Bholu, who expressed interest in purchasing an ASUS company laptop listed for sale on an online platform.

Anand, a resident of Chandkheda, told police that the laptop used for his photography and videography business for several years was quoted at ₹39,000. The prospective buyer visited the studio around noon, inspected the laptop, and left, saying he would confirm after consulting a friend. About 10 minutes later, the caller reportedly informed Anand that he would return in about an hour-and-a-half and asked him to keep the laptop accessible if he was away, assuring payment would be made online.

As Anand had professional commitments, he left the laptop at a tea stall named 'Jai Bhole', located below his studio, and informed the stall owner, Shankarbhai, to show the device to Nainesh Patel if he arrived. However, when the stall owner was busy serving customers, an unknown person allegedly picked up the laptop and walked away.

When attempts were made to contact the prospective buyer, his mobile phone was found switched off. Owing to the ongoing wedding season and work pressure, Anand did not immediately approach the police. He later filed a formal complaint after realising the laptop had been stolen.

The total value of the stolen property has been pegged at ₹39,000. Witnesses named in the complaint include the tea stall owner and acquaintances who may assist the police during the investigation.

Police have registered a case against an unknown accused and initiated a probe, and efforts are under way to trace the suspect and recover the stolen laptop.