Kangra Police have cracked a high-value burglary in Dharamsala, arresting two suspects and recovering stolen gold and silver ornaments worth nearly ₹70 lakh within days of the crime. The breakthrough came through CCTV analysis and technical investigation, despite the thieves having stolen the house's CCTV recorder.
Burglary Reported After Family Attended Wedding
The burglary was reported on June 29 by Dr. Anjali Chauhan, who found her residence broken into while her family was away attending a wedding. The thieves made off with approximately three kilograms of silver, three gold mangalsutras, three pairs of gold earrings, a silver necklace, ₹7,000–8,000 in cash, and the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) of the house's CCTV system.
Accused Posed as Scrap Collectors for Reconnaissance
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Kangra Superintendent of Police Kulbhushan Verma revealed that the accused had spent several days in the locality posing as scrap and rag collectors to conduct a recce before committing the theft. “The accused had spent several days in the locality posing as scrap and rag collectors to conduct a recce before committing the theft,” Verma said.
Police Used Neighbourhood CCTV and Criminal Records
Although the burglars stole the DVR to destroy evidence, police pieced together their movements using CCTV footage from neighbouring houses and road junctions. Technical analysis, backed by the criminal records of known offenders, led investigators to Chandan, a resident of Gaggal with 11 previous theft cases against him, and Anju, wife of Ramesh Kumar, also of Gaggal.
Recovery of Stolen Valuables
During interrogation, the accused led police to the stolen valuables. Officers recovered 50 tolas of gold jewellery and 1.2 kg of silver, with 35 tolas of gold found hidden in bushes near Gaggal bridge. The stolen DVR was also recovered from a stream near Fatehpur bridge and has been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for examination.
Police said Chandan also confessed to selling 15 tolas of stolen gold to a jeweller, Vivek Kumar, in Hamirpur. The melted gold was recovered during a raid on the jewellery shop. The jeweller has been served a legal notice and is cooperating with the investigation.
Both Accused Remanded to Police Custody
Both accused have been remanded to police custody for further interrogation to ascertain whether others were involved in the burglary.
Police Urge Residents to Enhance Home Security
Verma urged residents to strengthen home security by installing CCTV systems with cloud-based storage. “Even if the recording device is stolen, cloud storage ensures the footage remains available,” he said. He also advised people to inform neighbours or local representatives before leaving home for extended periods, keep valuables in bank lockers instead of at home, and ensure verification of migrant workers and outside labourers through the local police, saying these precautions could significantly reduce property-related crimes.
