A major cash theft has been reported in Mumbais Pydhonie area, where an employee of an imitation jewellery business allegedly stole ₹1.20 crore in weekly collections with the help of his younger brother. Police claim that the worker took the money out of the first bag and put another trolley bag full with cardboard in its place. The substitute bag reportedly looked almost identical to the original, allowing the alleged theft to go unnoticed initially. Police have arrested one accused and launched a search for his brother. Around ₹1.16 crore of the stolen cash has reportedly been recovered.

Employee Was Asked to Deliver Weekly Collection

The incident reportedly took place on August 8. According to the police, 37-year-old businessman Vikas Jain, who runs an imitation jewellery business, had instructed his employee Pirsingh Devda, 30, to collect the weeks cash from the store and bring it to his office. The money represented the businesss weekly collection and amounted to approximately ₹1.20 crore. However, police allege that Pirsingh had already planned the theft with his younger brother, Yuvraj Devda, 28.

Cash Bag Allegedly Swapped With Cardboard

Investigators suspect that Pirsingh carried a trolley bag to the office that looked almost identical to the bag containing the cash. Instead of delivering the money, he allegedly took the ₹1.20 crore and replaced the cash-filled bag with another trolley bag packed with cardboard. The use of cardboard was allegedly intended to make the replacement bag appear heavier and similar to the original. This reportedly allowed the accused to make the bag look normal when it was handed over.

How Did the Theft Come to Light?

The alleged fraud came to light when the contents of the bag were checked. Instead of the expected cash collection, the businessman reportedly found cardboard inside. The discovery immediately raised suspicion and prompted the company to approach the police. Pydhonie police then began investigating the circumstances surrounding the missing cash and the employee responsible for transporting it.

Police Trace the Alleged Money Trail

Following the complaint, investigators examined the movements of the accused and worked to determine where the stolen money had been taken. The investigation reportedly led police to the younger brother, Yuvraj Devda, who was subsequently arrested. Additionally, police have recovered about ₹1.16 crore; investigators will now have to figure out what happened to the remaining sum and whether anyone else was involved. The authorities are continuing their efforts to locate Pirsingh Devda, who is currently reported to be on the run.

What Was the Alleged Role of the Two Brothers?

Investigators suspect that the brothers worked together to execute the alleged theft. Pirsingh, as an employee familiar with the companys collection process, allegedly had access to the cash and knew that a large amount of money was being transported. His younger brother is suspected of assisting him after the cash was allegedly removed from the original bag. Police are now questioning the arrested accused to establish the exact sequence of events and determine how the money was handled after the alleged theft.

₹1.16 Crore Recovered

The recovery of ₹1.16 crore is a major development in the investigation. Police are examining the recovered cash as evidence while attempting to trace the remaining amount. Investigators are also looking into whether the accused had made any arrangements to hide, transfer or spend the money. Further questioning could provide information about where the alleged theft was planned and whether additional people were aware of the plan.

Employee Access Under Investigation

The case has also highlighted the risks businesses can face when employees handle large amounts of cash. Employees responsible for collecting or transporting money may have detailed knowledge of collection schedules, locations and internal procedures. Police are likely to examine whether such information was allegedly used to plan the theft. For businesses handling substantial cash collections, stronger verification procedures, secure transportation and proper reconciliation can help reduce the possibility of such incidents.

Search Continues for the Second Suspect

With one accused arrested and most of the allegedly stolen cash recovered, police are now focusing on locating Pirsingh Devda. Investigators are expected to question the arrested accused further and examine the evidence collected during the investigation. They will also attempt to establish the whereabouts of the remaining cash. The case remains under investigation, and further details may emerge as police trace the alleged money trail and question those connected to the incident.