An 18-year-old graphic designer was arrested in Indore on Thursday, December 25, 2025, for allegedly stealing jewelry worth Rs 16 lakh. The young man, along with his female friend who is preparing for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), reportedly told police that they were inspired by the 2005 film "Bunty Aur Babli".
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shrikrishna Lalchandani, the pair allegedly stole gold, silver, and diamond jewelry valued at Rs 16.17 lakh from a shop located in the Rau police station area on the night of December 22. Following the theft, they fled to Bhopal, where they were apprehended. The entire stolen collection was recovered from them upon their arrest.
DCP Lalchandani stated that both individuals are 18 years old and have known each other since childhood. During questioning, the young man confessed that he had been working part-time as a graphic designer at an IT company but lost his job due to the company's adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, making it difficult for him to make ends meet. The accused, who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, claimed to have planned the theft after watching "Bunty Aur Babli".
The DCP added that the accused attempted to sell the stolen jewelry; however, potential buyers believed they were too young and wouldn't offer a fair price. As a result, they decided to postpone selling the jewelry until after the Christmas holidays.
The incident raises concerns about the impact of AI on employment in the creative sector, particularly for young professionals just starting their careers. While AI offers numerous benefits, including increased efficiency and automation, it also poses a threat to jobs that can be performed by algorithms or AI-powered software. This case highlights the potential social and economic consequences of rapid technological advancements, especially for those lacking the skills or resources to adapt to the changing job market. It also highlights how young people are being targeted on social media.
