Gold Trader Robbed of Rs 1.5 Crore in Delhi's Seelampur in Elaborate Heist
A gold trader was robbed of gold and other valuables worth nearly Rs 1.5 crore by a group of assailants in northeast Delhi's Seelampur on Monday evening. The incident unfolded in a dramatic sequence that began with what appeared to be a case of road rage but quickly escalated into a meticulously planned robbery.
Details of the Incident
According to police, the complaint was filed on Monday by Pratham Bansal, a 24-year-old resident of Shahdara who is involved in the gold trade in Koocha Mahajani, Chandni Chowk. The incident took place around 8:30 pm when Bansal and his father were returning home on a scooter.
As they neared Welcome Metro Station, two men riding another scooter allegedly rammed into their vehicle from behind. The accused then began arguing with the victims, creating the impression of a road rage dispute. In the midst of the confrontation, the situation took a more serious turn when two additional men arrived at the scene in an SUV.
Escalation and Robbery
They joined the initial attackers, and together they forcibly robbed Bansal and his father of their valuables. The stolen items included a gold chain, a gold bar, and their scooter. The assailants then fled the spot in the SUV, leaving the victims shaken.
Speaking to media, Bansal revealed that it had been a routine day, and he was heading home carrying roughly one kilogram of gold jewellery, a consignment meant to be delivered to another trader the following morning. He stated, "Two men on a scooter deliberately intercepted me and quickly turned aggressive, initiating a physical confrontation. Before I could make sense of the situation, an SUV pulled up and several more men stepped out."
Police Response and Investigation
Police said that a wireless message was immediately circulated with details of the suspect vehicle, which bore a Uttar Pradesh registration number. The vehicle was later traced near the Bhopura border. However, by the time police reached the location, the suspects had already abandoned the SUV and escaped, evading capture.
An officer stated, "We have formed multiple teams to apprehend the accused, and CCTV footage is being scanned to identify the routes taken by the suspects while fleeing." Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including robbery and common intention, and further investigation is underway. No arrests have been made so far.
Witness Accounts and Concerns
Ravi, a friend of the complainant, told the media that he received a call around 9 pm informing him about the incident. He claimed that Bansal's father had fallen after the scooter was hit and that the attackers even attempted to kidnap him. According to Ravi, there were around 10 to 12 assailants involved in the crime. He added that the stolen gold was worth around Rs 1.40 crore, and the attackers also took the scooter.
Bansal is convinced the attack was not opportunistic; he believes it was a carefully pre-planned robbery, suggesting the gang may have had prior knowledge of his movements and the valuables he was carrying that evening. Notably, the incident occurred close to the office of the deputy commissioner of police (Northeast), raising concerns about security in the area.
