In a case that reads like a plot from a Bollywood film, Madhya Pradesh police arrested an 18-year-old graphic designer and his 18-year-old NEET-aspirant girlfriend for allegedly stealing jewellery worth over ₹16 lakh. The duo, inspired by the 2005 movie Bunty Aur Babli, reportedly carried out the heist after facing financial difficulties, including the teen’s claim that he lost his part-time job due to artificial intelligence (AI) replacing human labour.

The incident came to light after the theft from a jewellery shop in Rau police station area of Indore on the night of December 22. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shrikrishna Lalchandani told reporters that the young man, a part-time graphic designer, had been struggling to make ends meet following his job loss. “Both are 18 years old. The young man is a graphic designer, while the woman is preparing for the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET). The two have known each other since childhood. During interrogation, the young man told us that he used to work part-time at an IT company but lost his job due to the company’s adoption of AI technology,” the DCP said.

According to police, the economically disadvantaged couple hatched the plan for the theft after watching Bunty Aur Babli, the 2005 Bollywood film that follows the adventures of a small-town couple turning to crime. The teen duo allegedly stole gold, silver, and diamond jewellery worth ₹16.17 lakh from the shop.

After fleeing to Bhopal, the pair was tracked down by the police, and the entire stolen booty was recovered from their possession. During interrogation, the accused reportedly revealed that they had attempted to sell the jewellery immediately but faced difficulties because potential buyers assumed they were minors and refused to pay the full value. The teens then decided to wait until after the Christmas holidays to sell the items at proper prices.

The police are investigating whether the teens had accomplices or if this was a one-time criminal plan inspired entirely by the film. While the case has drawn attention for its cinematic parallels, it also highlights the socio-economic pressures faced by young people in rapidly changing job markets, particularly those impacted by automation and AI.

The incident has prompted local authorities to reiterate the importance of vigilance and security for jewellery shops and other small businesses during the festive season, as well as the need for awareness among youth about the consequences of engaging in criminal activity, regardless of inspiration from films or other media.

The teen ‘Bunty and Babli’ duo now face charges under the Indian Penal Code for theft and related offences, and their prosecution will follow the standard legal procedures. Police officials have also indicated that counselling and guidance may be considered as part of rehabilitation measures, given their young age.

This unusual case has sparked conversations on social media, with many noting the intersection of youthful ambition, economic hardship, and the influence of pop culture on decision-making, particularly in an era where technology such as AI is reshaping traditional employment opportunities.