The sensational PMJ Jewellery heist in Karimnagar last month has taken a new turn, with the alleged mastermind Subodh Singh, also known as the 'Gold Thief,' reportedly reducing payments to his shooters after the robbery yielded far less gold than anticipated. Instead of the promised ₹5 lakh each, the shooters received only ₹1 lakh apiece as the gang managed to escape with just 1.61 kg of gold against a target of nearly 15 kg.
Details of the Heist
The May 3 heist was allegedly orchestrated by Subodh from inside Purnea Central Jail in Bihar. According to sources, Amar Singh, who handles Subodh's payout network, was tasked with disbursing the money. Originally, payment was supposed to be made in Patna to three of the five shooters. However, before the payment could be completed, one of the shooters, Ravish Kumar, was arrested in Patna. Consequently, Amar Singh decided to pay ₹1 lakh each to the remaining two shooters in Asansol, where he could meet only Raghunath Karmakar, who received the payment for the robbery.
Shortfall in Loot
The shortfall in loot stemmed from resistance put up by PMJ showroom staff during the robbery, forcing the gang to flee with far less gold than planned. Police recovered ₹50,000 from Raghunath, who had already spent part of the money on two mobile phones.
Role of the Mastermind
Investigators say Subodh masterminded the entire operation while lodged in jail, accessing a mobile phone and issuing instructions through the encrypted Signal app. Gang members were required to report to him three times a day and confirm they had evaded arrest. All but one shooter complied; the whereabouts of the dissenter remain unknown. Subodh initially denied any role in the Karimnagar heist, attempting to shift blame to a renegade associate.
The robbery took place when a five-member armed gang entered the PMJ Jewellery showroom at Jyothinagar posing as customers. The assailants opened fire, injuring four employees, before fleeing with gold and silver ornaments.
Investigation Progress
Police have since brought Subodh to Telangana on a transit warrant for intensive interrogation. Investigators say his gang has carried out sophisticated robberies across Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand, making the Karimnagar strike its first known operation in Telangana. So far, six of the 13 accused identified in the case have been arrested, including Ravish and Raghunath. Police have recovered two firearms, while four more weapons remain untraced, and seven accused are still absconding.
