A jewellery workshop in Kandivali West was hit by a Rs 20.5 lakh gold theft after a newly hired artisan allegedly fled with ornaments within days of joining. Police say the crime may be linked to financial distress among jewellery workers following the surge in silver prices.

The theft occurred on February 9. The complaint was filed by Safiqul Islam Habibur Rahman Mandal who runs SS Gold Polishing and Designing on MG Road. CCTV footage allegedly shows the suspect running out of the shop with the ornaments.