Gujaratis in HK partner with local cops to check gem robberies

Surat: Gujarati diamantaires settled in Hong Kong have started a partnership with Hong Kong Police to protect gems and jewellery business and traders from becoming targets of robbers.
Sarjan Group, an association of over 800 diamantaires, and other Gujarati origin people in Hong Kong donated 1,20,000 HK dollars (Rs11 lakh) to the exchequer of Hong Kong police chief for their efforts to crack the sensational robbery case involving a Gujarati diamantaire.The money will go into the welfare of Hong Kong police personnel.
The Hong Kong police had cracked the case reported on March 18, 2016 where Arvind Nasit was targeted by robbers at Man Yue Street at Hung Hom. Around eight robbers brutally beat up the victim and fled with polished diamonds valued at Rs1.5 crore.
Sarjan group president Rashmikant Donda had invited Arvind Nasit and Ketan Shah from the trade to give away the cheque of 1,20,000 Hong Kong dollars to deputy commissioner of police Tony Wong.
"Sarjan Group is the first Indian group in Hong Kong that took the initiative to appreciate police department for cracking the robbery case. Gujarati diamantaires and Hong Kong police will install CCTV networks in diamond streets and offices and keep a vigil on the movements of suspicious elements," said Sarjan Group member Vijay Sheth.
The TOI had carried a report 'Gujarati traders threaten to leave HK over gem robberies' on April 23, 2016 highlighting the plight of Gujarati diamantaires. Hong Kong police cracked the case and arrested four South Asian robbers in May. The police had also recovered around Rs75 lakh worth of diamonds from the robbers.
Last month, Sarjan group had sought help from the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to provide adequate security to diamantaires and nab the robbers attacking and looting diamond traders. Sarjan group members Vijay Sheth and Suresh Ghevariya alias Zulu had met top government officials and ministers to apprise them about the situation as over half a dozen robberies had taken place since 2007. There are around 800 diamond companies in Hong Kong, which are mostly into import and export of diamonds from India. Around 1,300 traders are connected with Hong Kong's diamond industry, which is pegged at $13 billion per annum.