Chennai's 20-crore diamond theft: A tough test to city security

The latest 20-crore diamond heist in a Chennai hotel is not merely a typical crime; it is a big blow to the security setup of the city and the business community's trust factor. It is only natural for those dealing in high-value assets like diamonds on a routine basis to get nervous after such an event. Especially when such an event occurs in a hotel room, where the businessman felt secure.

The attack and strategy were well-executed. The four suspects—John Lawer, Vijay, Ratish and Arun Pandiarajan—silently entered the hotel room, restrained the businessman and made off with the diamond box. It is apparent that they had prior knowledge of where the diamonds were stored and when the businessman would be alone. This would indicate that there was premeditation on the part of the criminal and possibly some form of network or 'inside information'.

The incident also poses grave questions regarding the security of hotels. High-security hotels in metropolitan cities ought to offer a different kind of security for high-value business visitors. But in this case, it is observed that nobody was able to comprehend what was going on in the room until the screams of the businessman were heard and the hotel staff reached the location. Had the hotel maintained proper surveillance or the room-check system, things might have been other.

In the meanwhile, the speed with which the Chennai Police conducted the operation after receipt of the complaint should be appreciated. After issuing warnings in Tamil Nadu, the accused were nabbed at the toll plaza at Pandiapuram in Puttur near Tuticorin district. The coordination and rapidity of information exchange between the police station at the local level and the Chennai police were also unbelievable. But here again, there is a huge question mark - would the robbers have been caught if they had crossed the border a bit earlier? This case also points to the necessity of further modernizing the system of inter-state crime control. None.

The most relevant question that comes to mind is - how did the businessman manage to have so precious a diamond all by himself in the hotel room? Did he not have a security guard accompanying him? Or are there usual risky dealings where businessmen don't pay much heed to security? Often it happens that businessmen don't take security precautions seriously because of the faith in being in a familiar place, which can be the source of serious danger.

In this Chennai incident, it was certain that criminals today are becoming sharper, technologically advanced and dependent on information. To avoid such crime, aside from police activities, new procedure and awareness towards security among business communities and in the hotel industries are required. Without verified security prior to serious transactions, communication with hoteliers, and tech-based surveillance methods, it is hard to anticipate avoiding such activity in the future.

Thus, this case is not merely a theft, but a significant warning. If the administration, hotel business and business society collectively learn from this case, then the likelihood of such offenses in the future can be diminished to a great degree. Otherwise, criminals will gain more confidence, and citizens' safety will be in more danger.