THE ADVENTURES OF A DIAMOND THIEF.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1098, 28 April 1883, Page 3

THE ADVENTURES OF A DIAMOND THIEF.

It may be remembered (says tjie Civil and Military Gazette of India) that several months ago, at Poona, His Highness Ali Shah was robbed of a diamond bracelet and jewels, valued at 50,000 rupees. The head of the Khojahs and the son of Aga Khan fell an easy victim to a species of the confidence trick. A man named Ismail Mirza, a native of Persia, obtained possession of the jewels on a representation that they had been greatly admired by a dignitary of State, who bad expressed a desire to examine them. Ismail Mirza promptly disappeared with the jewels, and atter an adventurous career has just been brought to justice. It seems that the thief having got clear away travelled through the greater part of India. He returned to Persia, but finding his native place too hot for him he again disappeared. This time he turned his steps westward, visiting London, Paris and Constantinople, in all of which pieces he seemed to have lived like a Prince, and to have received the consideration due to a distinguished stranger, But the love of home was strong in the breast of Ismail Mirza, and about two months ago news was received of his arrest at Teheran. He managed, however to get away ; and was again arrested and again escaped at Baghdad. Ali Shah might well have given up the chase in despair, but the other day news was received of the sudden appearance of the thief at Linga. His arrest was immediately ordered by telegram, and before long the wanderer was in safe custody at Banda Abbas. In due course he was brought on to Kurrachee, and taken before a magistrate, who ordered the removal of the man to Poona. His Highness, however, has little prospect of obtaining any satisfaction beyond that of seeing Mirza properly punished. The man, who was feund to be in possession of only VOOOrs, gravely asserts that he spent a large portion of his ill-gotten gains in bribing the police at Teheran and Baghdad.