Karnataka Police Crack Interstate Dacoity Case, Arrest Two in Bihar
Karnataka police have successfully cracked a sensational interstate dacoity case. The crime involved a jewellery shop in Hunsur. Police made the breakthrough within two weeks of the incident. They arrested two accused persons in Darbhanga, Bihar. This followed an intensive investigation and close coordination with Bihar police.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
Mysuru superintendent of police Mallikarjun Baladandi addressed reporters on Monday. He revealed that the accused hail from Bihar. They targeted a newly opened jewellery shop after conducting a quick reconnaissance in the last week of December. Baladandi described the crime as the work of an organised syndicate. He termed it a first-of-its-kind case in Karnataka.
On December 28, during noon hours, a five-member gang executed the robbery. They looted nearly 8 kilograms of gold jewellery. The stolen items were worth approximately Rs 10 crore. The case presented a major challenge for investigators. The accused did not use mobile phones, complicating the probe. Apart from CCTV footage capturing the faces of three suspects, police initially had little evidence.
Authorities formed five special teams to investigate the case. These teams comprised around 50 personnel from various police stations. Southern Range IGP MB Boralingaiah supervised and closely monitored the probe. The investigation led to a significant breakthrough with assistance from Bihar police.
Identification and Arrest of the Accused
Police shared photographs of the accused with police forces across the country. Bihar police promptly identified them as known offenders with criminal records. One of the arrested individuals is Pankaj Kumar. He faces 27 criminal cases, including charges of murder and jewellery shop robberies. The second accused is Rishikesh Kumar Singh, also known as Chotu Singh. He is involved in four criminal cases.
Police believe this was the gang's first offence in Karnataka. The arrested accused are now being brought to Mysuru for further interrogation. Efforts continue to trace and apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
Background of the Accused and Recovery
A senior police officer disclosed additional details about one of the accused. The individual had built a palatial house on a one-acre plot in Bhagalpur district, Bihar. Despite facing multiple cases of murder, dacoity, robbery, and theft, he was out on bail. He lived in an area surrounded by his accomplices. The officer emphasized that the arrests would not have been possible without active support from Bihar police.
Following the arrests, police recovered minimal items. They found 12.5 grams of gold, Rs 92,000 in cash, and a motorcycle. The accused claimed that most of the stolen gold had already been disposed of. Police stated that recovery of the looted valuables would continue after arresting the remaining accused. Investigators suspect the involvement of several others in this organised crime.
Ongoing Investigation and Local Involvement
Responding to queries, SP Baladandi said no local involvement had been detected so far. However, further investigation will reveal details of the conspiracy, planning, and execution. It may also uncover possible involvement of other individuals. The case remains under active investigation as police work to dismantle the entire network.
