12 arrested for fake ED raid on jeweller in Gujarat, loots gold worth Rs 22.5 lakh

The Gujarat Police arrested 12 people for allegedly impersonating Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and conducting a fake raid at a jeweller’s home and shop in Gandhidham, Kutch. The group reportedly stole gold, silver, and cash worth Rs 22.25 lakh during the operation on December 2, the police said.
The accused, including a woman, targeted Radhika Jewellers and its owner’s residence, posing as ED officers conducting a raid. Following the incident, the jeweller filed a complaint with the Gandhidham Division Police Station.
“The investigation involved 10 special teams led by officers from the East Kutch police and Local Crime Branch,” said Sagar Bagmar, the Superintendent of Police for East Kutch. He confirmed that the police arrested 12 suspects from Bhuj, Gandhidham, and Ahmedabad. One suspect remains at large.
The mastermind of the operation was identified as Shailendra Desai, who had previously worked as a translator for the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. “Desai planned the raid with two associates, Bharat Morwadia and Devayat Khachar. They recruited others, including six locals familiar with the area, promising them commissions,” Bagmar said.
The group used vehicles to stage the raid, which helped the police trace and apprehend them. “We have concrete evidence against all 12 suspects,” Bagmar said, adding that the stolen valuables had been recovered.
The suspects confessed to the crime during interrogation. Police are seeking their remand to investigate further and apprehend the remaining suspect.