Rajasthan youth who duped Ahmedabad friend of jewellery worth ₹6.5 lakh in exchange for tuition fees booked

A 45-year-old woman from Ahmedabad has lodged a police complaint alleging that a youth from Rajasthan cheated her family of gold and silver ornaments collectively worth ₹6.58 lakh after gaining the confidence of her minor son.

According to Ranip police, the accused has been identified as Vijay Babulal Meghwal, a resident of Marwar Junction in Rajasthan’s Pali district.

Shantaben Tejaram Marwadi, who resides near Subhash Bridge in Ahmedabad and works at a local restaurant, alleged that the incident came to light on April 15, when she opened a locker at her residence and discovered that several gold and silver ornaments were missing.

On questioning her 17-year-old son, Nikhil, he allegedly told her that he had handed over the jewellery to his friend Vijay Meghwal after losing ₹4,000 meant for his tuition fees.

According to the complaint, Nikhil had approached Vijay for financial help after misplacing the tuition fee amount. Vijay allegedly suggested that he bring gold and silver ornaments from his house and pledge them in exchange for money.

Police said the jewellery included multiple gold items such as earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings and other ornaments worth approximately ₹5.80 lakh, along with silver ornaments valued at around ₹78,000.

As per police, after handing over the ornaments, Nikhil later learnt that Vijay had left for his native village in Rajasthan. When contacted, Vijay allegedly told him that the jewellery had been pledged and assured him that it would be returned in a few days.

However, despite repeated phone calls and follow-ups by the family, the ornaments were allegedly not returned, prompting the complainant to approach the police.

Ranip police have booked the accused under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertaining to cheating and criminal breach of trust.