Delhi Police Apprehend Mastermind of Golf Links Heist in Mumbai Operation
Confirming earlier reports, Delhi Police announced on Monday the arrest of Guddu Kamat (35), the alleged mastermind behind the high-profile Golf Links heist, from Mumbai. Two of his associates, Raman Kamat and Amit Singh, also known as Gabbar, have been taken into custody. Authorities have launched an intensive manhunt for five additional suspects believed to be connected to the crime.
Intricate Planning and Execution of the Robbery
According to police investigations, 38-year-old Raman Kamat had previously worked as a domestic helper at the residence of liquor businessman Ashok Chawla for a brief period before quitting. Subsequently, the gang enlisted another former employee, Rahul, to refer an associate named Sushil as a replacement domestic worker. Sushil, who remains at large, played a crucial role by facilitating the gang's entry into the Chawla residence.
Amit Singh, alias Gabbar, handled the logistics for the operation. He drove the gang to the target location in an Ertiga car fitted with a fake license plate and served as the getaway driver after the heist. Gabbar is described as a notorious criminal with a lengthy record, facing charges in 19 previous cases.
Detailed Recce and Violent Robbery Tactics
The accused have confessed to conducting a two-day reconnaissance of the Golf Links area prior to the crime. On April 16, they assembled at the servant quarters of the bungalow approximately 30 minutes before executing the robbery at 7 PM. To instill fear and prevent resistance, the assailants physically assaulted family members and issued death threats. Following the heist, the gang dispersed and fled to different states with their shares of the stolen loot.
Massive Police Investigation and Breakthrough
The robbery, which occurred in one of Delhi's most heavily guarded localities in Lutyens' Delhi, prompted the formation of nine specialized police teams. These teams, comprising around 100 personnel from Tughlaq Road and neighboring police stations, employed a multi-pronged investigative approach. One team meticulously reviewed CCTV footage from the vicinity, while another pursued technical leads.
Investigators initially faced challenges due to the absence of police verification or identity documents for the three former domestic helpers. However, by showing photographs of criminals with similar modus operandi to the victims, police identified potential suspects. The gang was linked to a comparable heist in Noida last year, as well as several other cases dating back to 2015.
Digital Trails Lead to Arrests
Police eventually zeroed in on Guddu Kamat and his associates after analyzing their social media profiles, mobile records, and internet protocol details. A critical social media ping enabled authorities to trace Kamat and Raman Kamat's location to Mumbai. Further corroboration came from a mobile phone stolen during the robbery, which helped confirm their whereabouts.
A dedicated police team flew to Mumbai and apprehended the duo from a construction site in Versova, where they were hiding and seeking employment. Meanwhile, Gabbar was arrested in Bulandshahr.
Background of the Mastermind
Guddu Kamat, originally from Madhubani in Bihar, is identified as a habitual offender with a history of seven robbery cases. He leveraged his prior experience as a domestic worker to identify vulnerable targets. Kamat moved to Delhi 15 years ago in search of employment following his father's death, but later turned to crime in pursuit of easy money.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to track down the remaining suspects and recover the stolen property.
