Mumbai: Cops recording statements of jewellers ‘duped’ by Juhu diamond trader

Mehul Zaveri

The BKC police have begun recording statements of diamond traders who have been cheated by Juhu-based trader Mehul Zaveri. The former claimed that once the statements are recorded, an FIR will be registered against Zaveri. Sources from the diamond industry claimed that there are chances the accused will surrender before the cops in a day or two.

Zaveri, who allegedly duped over 40 diamond traders of Rs 30 crore, is absconding. After mid-day reported about the matter on February 8, jewellers have been trying to register an FIR as soon as possible. "We fear that the police wouldn't take any action if there is no FIR. Hence, we are trying to hasten the process," said a Delhi-based jeweller.

"Zaveri's family claims he will approach the police and surrender. But, we don't trust them," said a Mumbai diamond trader. Jewellers based in Mumbai and Delhi have begun the process of recording statements with various insurance companies and the police. "We have approached the BKC police and various insurance companies to record our statements. At least 40 jewellers have been duped by Zaveri. We are optimistic that an FIR will be registered soon," said a jeweller on condition of anonymity.

The matter had come to light when a group of city jewellers approached the BKC police station to register a complaint last week. "We are recording the statements of these complainants. They had approached us a week ago and now the process of registering an FIR is ongoing." said a police officer.

"As of now no FIR has been registered against Zaveri," said BKC police station's Senior PI Raghunath Kadam. According to diamond traders, Zaveri is a well-known broker and most jewellers in Mumbai and Delhi had trusted him because of his father's reputation. According to the police, his modus operandi included gaining the trust of the jewellers. "We checked whether any previous cases had been registered against him and found nothing," said a police officer. mid-day tried contacting Zaveri's brother, Nikit, but he was not available.

Rs 30 crore
Loss incurred by complainants