Surat Delivery Agent Apprehended in Bhavnagar

In a major crackdown on supply chain thefts, the Bhavnagar Local Crime Branch (LCB) has arrested a 26-year-old delivery agent employed by e-commerce giant Flipkart for allegedly stealing customer parcels worth approximately Rs 4.60 lakh.

The accused, identified as Rutvik Makwana (also known as Koli), a resident of Bhavnagar, was taken into custody on October 23. Law enforcement officials acted on a tip-off indicating that an individual was attempting to sell high-end mobile phones and other branded merchandise without valid bills or supporting documents near Gangajaliya Lake on Motibaug Road.

Seized Valuables and Modus Operandi

According to the police, Makwana would routinely collect delivery bags containing high-value items designated for customers in Surat. Instead of fulfilling the deliveries or processing official returns, he allegedly misappropriated the consignments and went into hiding.

Upon detaining Makwana, officers discovered a massive haul of stolen property valued at Rs 4,60,512. The recovered inventory included multiple premium smartphones, such as a Google Pixel 10 A, Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, Samsung Galaxy A36 5G devices, Vivo models, and various other electronic accessories.

Beyond smartphones, the recovered cache featured: * Audio and Wearables: Bluetooth devices from brands like Mivi and OnePlus, Apple AirPods, a Fire-Boltt smartwatch, and multiple wristwatches. * Lifestyle and Grooming: Premium perfumes, body sprays, branded apparel including jeans and shirts, personal care cosmetics, and footwear.

Legal Proceedings Underway

The case has been officially transferred to the Gangajaliya police station for comprehensive legal proceedings. The initial offense has been registered at the Saroli police station in Surat city under Section 306 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Senior investigators stated that further inquiries are currently underway to determine whether other individuals were involved in the syndicate or if the stolen goods were intended for a wider illicit market network.

Reporting by Gaurav Sen for Daily News 365.