West Bengal Artisan Accused of Stealing ₹23 Lakh Worth of Gold in Meerut

A West Bengal artisan, Pradeep Bera, is accused of fleeing with 300 grams of gold worth ₹23 lakh in Meerut. The local police are investigating, while traders are urging stronger measures, citing repeated incidents of similar thefts by artisans in the area.

A case has been filed against Pradeep Bera, an artisan from West Bengal's Hooghly district, for allegedly fleeing with 300 grams of gold worth ₹23 lakh in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut. The incident occurred on October 13, after Bera, employed by goldsmith Sudeep Bhuiya, was entrusted with the gold on October 2 to craft jewelry. Bhuiya reported that the artisan was supposed to deliver the finished items by October 15, but Bera absconded before the deadline.

Meerut police, led by SP (City) Ayush Vikram Singh, have launched an investigation. The Meerut Bullion Traders' Association, represented by general secretary Vijay Anand Agarwal, has expressed concerns over similar incidents of gold theft by artisans, most of whom hail from West Bengal. Agarwal stated that traders will seek intervention from Meerut’s Additional Director General (ADG) DK Thakur to ensure swift action and recover the stolen gold.

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Local traders have called for increased measures to prevent such thefts, as this is not the first case of artisans disappearing with valuable materials. Authorities are working closely with affected traders to address their concerns and prevent future thefts.