Inspired by Bunty Aur Babli, teen graphic designer who lost job to AI and NEET aspirant friend held for Rs 16 lakh jewellery theft

Police in Indore have solved a jewellery shop burglary worth over Rs 16 lakh, arresting two 18-year-olds — a graphic designer and his woman friend who is preparing for NEET. The theft was reported from the Rau police station area, and the entire stolen jewellery has been recovered, police said.

The burglary took place on the night of December 22 at Shri Jewellers in Silicon City, owned by Devendra Soni. CCTV footage helped police trace the suspects, who had fled to Bhopal after the crime.

CCTV clue from the rooftop

According to PTI quoting police, CCTV cameras inside the shop showed a man entering the premises through the roof and leaving with gold, silver and diamond ornaments. Soon after the theft, the two accused left Indore and went into hiding in Bhopal.


Based on technical tracking and ground-level investigation, police traced their movement, detained them in Bhopal, and brought them back to Indore. Jewellery worth nearly Rs 16.17 lakh was recovered in full from their possession.

Childhood friends, both just 18

During the probe, police identified the male accused as Priyanshu, a resident of Mandla district, and his associate Arya, a NEET aspirant. Both are 18 years old and have known each other since childhood.

Police said the two come from economically weak backgrounds and planned the burglary together.

Bollywood film inspired the plan

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shrikrishna Lalchandani said the idea for the theft came after watching a popular Bollywood film.

“The accused came from economically weak backgrounds and had planned the theft after watching the 2005 Bollywood film Bunty Aur Babli,” Lalchandani said, according to news agency PTI.

Job loss due to AI

Police said the male accused had been working part-time as a graphic designer before losing his job.

“During interrogation, the young man told us that he used to work part-time as a graphic designer at an IT company, but lost his job due to the company’s adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and was finding it difficult to make ends meet,” Lalchandani said, according to news agency PTI.

Jewellery sale plan went wrong

The DCP added that the duo conducted a detailed survey of the area before carrying out the burglary. After stealing the ornaments, they tried to sell them but did not get the price they expected.

“The accused say they tried to sell the stolen jewellery, but the buyers, thinking they were children, wouldn’t pay the right price. So they decided to sell it after the Christmas holidays,” the officer said.

Police said further investigation is underway to check whether the two were involved in any other similar offences.