29 June,2011 06:51 AM IST | | Ravikiran Deshmukh
The police force now has an additional source of income in the form of providing protection to jewellers' consignments
IN a move that is set to benefit jewellers as well as the police force, the former will now be able to get police protection while transporting their silver and gold for a price.
The proposal was passed at a meeting between senior home ministry and police officials and the Saraf Merchants' Association.
However, Home Minister RR Patil, who chaired the meeting, made it clear that the protection would be provided only if the gold was legally purchased.
While the association requested for directions about the documents that would be needed for the verification, Patil said jewellers should resist buying jewellery that was stolen.
Other decisions
Meanwhile, reviewing the working of the Anti-Narcotics Cell in the light of one of its inspectors being caught attending a rave party, Patil directed the officers to increase the unit's strength of inspectors from the current 10.
The Home Minister also pointed out that cases of dacoity, robbery and break-in had dipped significantly in the recent past.
Till May this year, only one dacoity, four robberies and 112 break-ins were reported compared to the 22 cases of dacoity, 16 of robbery and 178 break-ins, which were reported in 2006, said Patil.
On the rise
June 21: A jeweller who was transporting gold biscuits worth Rs 15 lakh was robbed by a gang of three at Hosakambi cross, about 40 kms from Ankola. Ramachandra Vadiraj Kudtarkar was carrying about 850 gm of gold in his car.
June 23: Two people robbed jewellery worth Rs 2 crore from a courier boy in Vile Parle while he was travelling in an auto rickshaw. Sanjay Saini was on his way back to the courier service's office when two unknown bikers snatched the bag and sped away.
June 25: Vikhroli (E)-based Lalkrupa Jewellers was robbed of silver and gold jewellery and cash. The total value of the loot was estimated to be Rs 8.75 lakh.
