Surat: A couple is on the run after allegedly stealing ₹6.25 lakh in cash and jewellery worth ₹13.45 lakh from a young woman who had rented a room as a paying guest in Dindoli. Police investigations reveal that the couple, who posed as the property’s owners, were themselves living in the bungalow on rent.

It is learnt that 22-year-old Deepaben Deepak Nanvare, a resident of Dindoli and an employee of Zepto, was searching for accommodation following a marital dispute. While browsing OLX, she came across an advertisement for a paying guest facility in Navratna Bungalows and contacted a woman named Srishtiben Pankaj Patil. Srishtiben, along with her husband Pankaj Patil, assured her of a room and arranged her stay.

Deepaben had been living there for three months. As Srishtiben stayed home during the day, Deepaben would often leave her room unlocked — a habit that later proved costly. On April 13, Deepaben was informed that the house had been vacated. When she frantically rushed back home, she discovered that the couple had fled — not only with their own belongings but also with hers.

Among the stolen items were jewellery and cash belonging to Deepaben’s friend, Gudiya Upadhyay, who had left her valuables — including ₹4.5 lakh in cash, 25 tolas of gold, and 2.5 kg of silver jewellery — at Deepaben’s home for safekeeping while she went to Dakor. Sensing an opportunity, the couple allegedly stole everything within two days of Deepaben leaving for work.

Although the incident occurred in April, the complaint was registered only in July. This delay occurred because Pankaj Patil briefly contacted Deepaben after the theft, claiming he had fled due to multiple police complaints and promised to return the stolen goods. However, he later became unreachable. The case has now been formally registered and an investigation is underway. DeshGujarat