VASAI, WALIV: A local jeweller was gravely injured after being stabbed inside his shop in Waliv, Vasai (East), yesterday afternoon by three unknown assailants—a man, a woman, and a child. The attack has left the community stunned, especially as police confirmed that no gold or ornaments were stolen from the premises, baffling investigators regarding the true motive.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:00 PM at Vasai Jewels (name approximate) when the three individuals entered the store. According to preliminary reports from the Waliv Police, a sudden confrontation ensued, resulting in the owner, identified as Mr. Ramesh Jain (45), being stabbed multiple times.
The assailants immediately fled the scene before passersby could react. Mr. Jain was rushed to a nearby hospital where his condition is reported as serious but stable.
Motive Undetermined
“We have registered a case of attempted murder and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area,” said a senior police official. “The most puzzling detail is the lack of theft. Typically, such attacks on jewellers are clear cases of dacoity. Since nothing was taken, we are now investigating whether the attack was a case of personal vengeance, a planned contract attack, or a robbery that was aborted at the last minute.”
Police have circulated sketches and descriptions of the three suspects and have launched a massive manhunt across the Vasai-Virar region.
Eyewitness Account (Unconfirmed):
- One unconfirmed eyewitness, a tea stall owner across the street, claimed to have seen the trio fleeing on a dilapidated blue motorcycle, though police are still verifying this lead.
Family Statement/Shop Closure:
- The victim’s family was reportedly too distraught to issue a formal statement. The shop, a fixture in the Waliv market for over 15 years, remains sealed by police as they collect forensic evidence.