Ahmedabad—An NRI woman who traveled from the United States to Gujarat for a religious event became the victim of a brazen theft, only to have her precious ancestral gold jewellery worth Rs 20. 2 lakh recovered within hours.
Saryuben, originally from India but now settled in the US, arrived at Dada Bhagwan Trimandir in Adalaj with her family for a spiritual gathering, carrying heirloom gold ornaments she planned to redesign for her son and daughter-in-law. The jewellery disappeared during a bus journey from the temple, but swift action by Ahmedabad Crime Branch led to the arrest of two women and the complete recovery of all stolen items.
Key Facts
• Two women, Ramilaben Parmar (28) and Sarla Ganva (34), both from Dahod district, were arrested on January 24, 2026
• Stolen gold jewellery worth Rs 20.2 lakh, including six gold coins (102.5g), a gold bangle (Rs 2.3 lakh), and a necklace (Rs 1.5 lakh), was fully recovered
• Police recovered the items within hours of the complaint, using technical surveillance and human intelligence
The theft occurred while Saryuben was traveling by bus from Adalaj Trimandir after attending the religious program. She had brought the ancestral gold with plans to visit a jeweller to transform it into new pieces, making the loss deeply personal beyond its monetary value.
The Crime Branch immediately launched an investigation after a complaint was registered at Satellite Police Station. Officers used a combination of technical inputs and ground intelligence to trace and identify the suspects.
Ramilaben and Sarla, both residents of Nirmalnagar and Vadaj respectively, had come to Ahmedabad seeking manual labor work. Police discovered they operated on crowded BRTS and AMTS buses, specifically targeting unsuspecting passengers during rush hours.
A clever tactic employed by the accused involved using young children as cover to avoid suspicion. The women posed as daily-wage workers while moving through crowded public spaces, making them less conspicuous to potential victims and law enforcement.
According to a senior Crime Branch officer,
This swift resolution provided relief to a family devastated not just by the financial loss but by the emotional weight of losing ancestral treasures.
The recovered items included six AB Jewels gold coins totaling 102. 5 grams valued at approximately Rs 17.4 lakh, one gold bangle worth Rs 2. 3 lakh, and one gold necklace valued at Rs 1.5 lakh. Every piece was intact and returned to the rightful owner.
Investigations are ongoing to determine if Ramilaben and Sarla were involved in similar theft cases elsewhere in Ahmedabad. Their systematic approach and use of children as accomplices suggest a coordinated operation targeting NRI visitors and affluent passengers.
This case highlights the vulnerability of travelers, especially those visiting India from abroad who carry valuable items. It also showcases the efficiency of Ahmedabad police in resolving crimes and protecting the property and dignity of residents and visitors alike.
Do You Know?
In December 2025, another NRI incident made headlines when UK-based Sunanda Malusare reported a theft in Vadodara where her purse containing cash and jewellery worth Rs 7. 15 lakh was stolen while shopping.
These recurring incidents suggest a troubling trend of organized theft targeting the diaspora community visiting Gujarat.
Key Terms
• NRI (Non-Resident Indian): An Indian citizen living abroad or a person of Indian origin who holds citizenship of another country
• BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System): A fast, efficient bus service operating in Ahmedabad with dedicated lanes
• Ancestral Jewellery: Gold ornaments passed down through generations, carrying both monetary and sentimental value
• Technical Surveillance: Use of CCTV cameras, digital tracking, and technological tools to identify suspects
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: India's new criminal law that replaced the Indian Penal Code
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