Diamonds from 2018: Man Arrested in Dhamtari with Stolen Gems
Dhamtari police arrest 64-year-old Vinod Agrawal with 146 stolen diamonds worth over 10 lakh rupees, stolen from Gariaband years ago.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Dhamtari police diamond arrest of a 64-year-old man has uncovered a theft that dates back nearly eight years. Vinod Agrawal, a resident of KK Ward in the Balodabazar-Bhatapara district, was apprehended by authorities while allegedly attempting to sell a hoard of stolen precious stones.
The Sting Operation
The arrest took place on October 19, 2026, following a meticulously planned operation. The action was carried out by a joint team consisting of the Dhamtari Cyber Police and the Birajhar police outpost. The operation was triggered by a specific tip-off received by the police on October 18, 2026.
Acting on the intelligence, officers intercepted Agrawal near the Kodapar Canal Culvert on National Highway 30. At the time of his capture, the suspect was reportedly on the lookout for a buyer to offload the diamonds.
The Haul: Sparkling Evidence
Upon conducting a search of the accused, police discovered a significant cache of gemstones. The recovery included:
- 146 pieces of sparkling white diamonds.
- A total weight of 13.49 grams.
- An estimated market value ranging between 10.05 lakh and 10.15 lakh rupees.
In addition to the diamonds, the police seized 2,200 rupees in cash and a Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G smartphone equipped with two active SIM cards.
A Cold Case Reopened
During the interrogation, Agrawal made a startling confession. He admitted that the diamonds were not recently acquired but had been stolen in 2018 from the Payalikhand mine area located in the Gariaband district. For years, the gems remained hidden until his recent attempt to liquidate them.
Legal Action and Police Crackdown
The operation was conducted under the direction of Superintendent of Police Bhavna Pandey, who has been leading a intensified campaign to eliminate the illegal trade and smuggling of mineral resources in the region.
Following the arrest, a case has been registered against Vinod Agrawal under the following legal provisions:
- Section 21(4) of the Mines and Minerals Act.
- Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The accused was presented before the Kurud court, where he was granted judicial remand and subsequently sent to jail.
Public Appeal for Vigilance
In light of this recovery, the Dhamtari Police have urged the general public to remain vigilant. They have appealed to citizens to report any information regarding the illegal excavation or smuggling of minerals. The authorities have assured the public that the identity of any informants will be kept strictly confidential to ensure their safety.