Mysuru Police Crack Rs 10 Crore Heist Using Facial Recognition, Arrest Gang in Bihar
In a remarkable display of modern policing, Mysuru police have successfully tracked down and arrested key members of a gang involved in a massive Rs 10 crore jewellery heist in Hunsur. The breakthrough came despite the criminals' deliberate avoidance of mobile phones, forcing investigators to rely on advanced facial recognition technology and criminal databases.
Digital Eyes Overcome Phone Blackout
The gang executed a meticulously planned robbery at the Sky Gold and Diamond Jewellery Store on December 28, 2025. Five armed men wearing masks and helmets stormed the showroom near Hunsur bus stand between 1:30 and 2:04 pm. They brandished pistols, threatened staff, and made off with approximately 450 gold ornaments weighing nearly 5 kg before fleeing on motorcycles.
What made this case particularly challenging was the gang's complete avoidance of mobile phones during the crime. This deliberate tactic eliminated traditional digital tracking methods that police typically rely on. However, CCTV footage captured clear images of three suspects' faces, providing crucial evidence.
"Since the accused did not use mobile phones, digital tracking was not possible, which posed a major challenge," explained District Superintendent of Police Mallikarjuna Baladandi. "However, we relied on facial recognition technology and existing records to trace them to Bihar."
Inter-State Gang with Jail Connections
Police identified the operation as the work of a professional inter-state gang with more than 10 suspected members. According to investigators, the accused likely met in various jails across the country, where they formed networks before operating as an organized criminal enterprise.
Two key members have been arrested in Bihar with assistance from local police there. Rishikesh Kumar Singh (Chotu), a Delhi native, and Pankaj Kumar from Bhagalpur district were apprehended in Darbhanga. Singh faces charges in four murder and robbery cases, while Kumar has a criminal history spanning 27 cases. Police identified Kumar as the mastermind who recruited young members and arranged logistics.
This was their first known operation in Karnataka, according to police officials. Before the Hunsur robbery, the gang reportedly conducted reconnaissance in Kodagu, Hassan, and Mysuru districts before finalizing their target.
Intensive Investigation Leads to Breakthrough
Nearly 50 police personnel worked continuously for over two weeks to crack the case. Five special police teams were constituted and dispatched to different locations following leads. The investigation revealed that in the days leading up to the heist, the accused stayed in lodges at Hunsur and Periyapatna, allegedly using fake Aadhaar cards and mobile numbers belonging to unsuspecting individuals.
So far, police have recovered 12.5 grams of gold, Rs 92,000 in cash, a jewellery box bearing the 'Sky Gold' logo, and a Royal Enfield motorcycle. The arrested accused are being brought to Bengaluru on a transit warrant, and more arrests are underway as investigators focus on recovering the remaining stolen valuables.
Police confirmed that no residents from Mysuru district were involved in the Hunsur heist, emphasizing the inter-state nature of the criminal network. The successful use of facial recognition technology in this case highlights how law enforcement is adapting to criminals' evolving tactics while maintaining pressure on organized crime networks operating across state boundaries.
