In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the city, a gang of five masked men executed a brazen daylight robbery at a jewellery store in Mysuru on Sunday. The audacious heist took place in the busy Kuvempunagar area, leaving locals and business owners stunned.
The Brazen Daylight Operation
The robbery unfolded on the afternoon of December 29, 2024, at Sri Balaji Jewellers, located on 4th Main Road in Kuvempunagar. According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, five individuals, their faces concealed by masks, entered the shop around 2:30 PM. They threatened the staff and customers present with what appeared to be weapons, creating an atmosphere of terror.
Witnesses described the men as speaking in Hindi and a mix of other languages, swiftly taking control of the situation. The assailants then proceeded to smash open the display counters using hammers and iron rods they had brought with them. In a matter of minutes, they filled bags with a significant quantity of gold and diamond jewellery before fleeing the scene on two waiting motorcycles. The entire operation lasted less than ten minutes.
Police Launch Intensive Manhunt
Mysuru City Police have launched a massive investigation and search operation to nab the culprits. Senior police officials, including the Commissioner, rushed to the crime scene to supervise the evidence collection. Forensic teams were deployed to gather fingerprints and other clues.
The police are scrutinizing CCTV footage from the shop and surrounding areas to identify the robbers and their escape route. Multiple special teams have been formed to pursue different leads. Authorities are also checking records of recently released criminals and known gangs operating in the region. The value of the stolen jewellery is yet to be officially ascertained, but initial estimates suggest it could run into lakhs of rupees.
Community Shock and Heightened Security
The incident has caused widespread fear among local merchants and residents. Kuvempunagar is a prominent commercial locality, and a robbery in broad daylight has raised serious concerns about security. The Mysuru Jewellers Association has expressed deep concern and plans to meet with police officials to discuss enhanced safety measures.
This heist is a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces even in a culturally rich and generally peaceful city like Mysuru. The police have assured the public that they are deploying all resources and are confident of cracking the case soon. They have also urged anyone with information to come forward, promising confidentiality.
The investigation is ongoing, with police exploring all angles, including the possibility of an insider's involvement or the gang having conducted reconnaissance earlier. The focus remains on identifying the masked men and recovering the stolen valuables.
