Mumbai jeweler returns stolen gold after 18 years, seeks forgiveness

KOCHI: Eighteen years ago, Mahindra Hashba Yadav (53) stole 30 sovereign of gold and ₹1.5 lakhs from his employer in Muvattupuzha, Kerala. Today, after years of guilt, he has returned to make amends.

Mahindra, who now owns four jewelry stores in Mumbai, recently returned twice the current value of the stolen goods to his former employer, Venugopal, the distraught owner of Kallarakkal Jewelry. Venugopal, moved by the apology, withdrew the case.

Mahindra was arrested in Mumbai on August 19. A week prior, he had travelled to Muvattupuzha with his family, revisiting the jewelery store that changed his life. Overcome with guilt after seeing the store where the theft occurred 18 years ago, he decided to apologize and repay his former employer.

Mahindra informed Venugopal of his intentions when he arrived at Bengaluru airport, falling at his feet to ask for forgiveness. On Wednesday, Mahindra’s son delivered the payment to Venugopal in Muvattupuzha.

Originally from Sangli, Mumbai, Mahindra moved to Muvattupuzha at the age of 15 and became a trusted confidant of Venugopal. He was responsible for transporting gold for refinement. In 2006, however, he disappeared with 30 pavans of gold and ₹1.5 lakhs that he had borrowed from a friend. Before the theft, Mahindra had already relocated his wife and children back to Mumbai.

The initial investigation stalled due to a lack of evidence, as there was not a single photograph of Mahindra. However, Venugopal's persistent complaints during a "Nava Kerala Sadas" session prompted a re-investigation. The breakthrough came when the police traced Mahindra’s son’s friend, who had attended school in Muvattupuzha. The two remained connected on Facebook, which led the police to Mahindra.

When the Kerala police arrived at Mahindra's residence on Georgian Link Road, Mulund, Mumbai, they faced resistance from Mahindra's goons. Despite the tense situation, the police managed to capture him and transport him to Muvattupuzha via Bengaluru. Mahindra is currently on remand, facing charges of betrayal of trust.