The mastermind behind the daring heist at PMJ Jewellers in Karimnagar, Subodh Singh, had set a precise target for his gang: escape with 15 kg of gold within 15 minutes. This instruction was relayed to the five gang members through his associates, according to senior police officials who spoke to TOI.
Subodh Singh: The Mastermind
Subodh, also known as Bihar’s Gold Thief, had promised each of the five men involved in the heist Rs 5 lakh for successfully completing the operation. However, the gang could only manage to steal 1.61 kg of gold and diamonds because the staff at PMJ Jewellers resisted their efforts.
Why No Masks?
During interrogation, the two arrested men—Raghunath Karmakar and Ravish Kumar—revealed why they did not cover their faces. They explained that wearing masks would have made the security staff suspicious, making it difficult for them to enter the store. A police officer investigating the case shared this detail.
Firearms and Modus Operandi
Investigators are now tracing the firearms used in the heist. Police suspect that Subodh’s team, which came to Telangana to receive the stolen gold, took the weapons with them. The gang’s typical modus operandi involves quickly melting the stolen gold in West Bengal or Bihar and then shifting it to associates in Nepal. Subodh’s understanding of police tactics stems from his time as a police informer between 2000 and 2008, which he used to plan his heists meticulously.
Jailhouse Meetings
Raghunath first met Subodh while both were lodged in Asansol jail in West Bengal several months ago. Interestingly, none of the five accused in the Karimnagar case were directly in touch with Subodh during the conspiracy. Instead, his henchman acted as handlers for Raghunath, Ravish, and the other three.
Investigation and Arrests
Police cracked the case by showing photos of the accused to inmates in various Bihar jails. They nabbed the three men as soon as their identities were confirmed. Officials also have information about the individuals who supplied the weapons and those who acted as handlers, and they plan to arrest them soon.
This heist highlights the meticulous planning of Subodh Singh’s gang, but their failure to achieve the target due to staff resistance shows that even the best-laid plans can go awry.
