Group of Indian Students Accused of Orchestrated Thefts at Orchard Central Uniqlo
Some believe that the most effective lie is a partial truth. This approach was adopted by a group of Indian students caught shoplifting at the Uniqlo store in Orchard Central, Singapore.
The group, allegedly under the direction of their landlord, Bhavik, and co-conspirator, 23-year-old Patel Vishalbhai, carried out their thefts on two separate occasions.
First Time Shoplifting: Pretended to Buy Tote Bags
The first incident occurred on 12 Oct at around 6pm.
Nine members of the group successfully shoplifted 64 items, collectively worth $1788.60, from the store.
They meticulously removed price tags to evade detection by the security system and used the purchase of three tote bags worth $11.70 as a cover for their larger theft.
Second Time Shoplifting: Only Four Days Later
This crime slowly escalated into one that couldn’t be penalised with just mere warnings.
Emboldened by their initial success, part of the group, including Ruchi, Ridham, Bhavik, Shivam (27), Jay (26), and Mili (27), returned to the same Uniqlo outlet on 16 Oct.
Around 2pm, they attempted to steal 72 items valued at $2271.90.
But this time, they were caught.
The store’s security officer, noting their anxious demeanor, requested to see their receipt, leading to their apprehension.
The stolen items were left behind as the group was too flustered to escape.
A sales assistant subsequently filed a police report, leading to their arrest after a review of CCTV footage.
Six Arrested; Four Fled Back Home
More than ten individuals are believed to be involved, as per court documents, but only six have been apprehended.
These include Chauhan Ruchi Sanjaykumar (26), Christian Arpita Arvindbhai (27), Brahmbhatt Komal Chetankumar (27), Kuvadiya Milan Ghansyambhai (26), Hun Smit Ashokbhai (21), and Shihora Ridham Mukeshbhai (20).
The others, including the alleged masterminds Bhavik and Vishal, along with Darshan and Mili, have reportedly fled back to India.
All the apprehended individuals are student pass holders and residents of Bhavik’s flat.
On 22 Nov, four of them were sentenced to jail terms ranging from 40 to 65 days after pleading guilty.
Ridham, who faced charges of theft in dwelling and attempted theft, received the harshest sentence.
The remaining group members pointed fingers at Bhavik, claiming he coerced them into committing the crimes.
Brahmbhatt Komal Chetankumar and Christian Arpita Arvindbhai, both 27, were also due to plead guilty on 22 Nov, but instead claimed they were forced into the act by Bhavik.
Smit, who came to Singapore only last year, alleged that Bhavik threatened him with rent hikes and isolation if he did not comply. Apparently, even if Smit wanted to move out, Bhavik warned Smit that he would make sure Smit had nowhere to go, according to 8World News.
Similarly, Komal stated that he was unaware of the plan and only realised the clothes were stolen after returning home.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Maximilian Chew highlighted the premeditated nature of the offences and the significant value of the stolen items.
He noted that none of the accused had made any restitution.
According to The Straits Times, District Judge Teoh Ai Lin, did not accept the guilty pleas of the female defendants and scheduled a pre-trial conference for 30 Nov.
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