In a shocking incident that has rattled the local business community, burglars made off with a massive haul of silver jewellery weighing approximately 140 kilograms, valued at an estimated Rs 1.62 crore. The daring theft occurred at a shop located on Pedak Road in the Champak Nagar area of Rajkot during the early hours of Wednesday.
Police Launch Intensive Investigation
The trader, identified as Atul Busa, promptly filed a formal complaint with the B-Division police station following the discovery of the theft. Law enforcement agencies, including the elite Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) and other specialized teams, have sprung into action. Their primary focus is on meticulously scanning and analysing CCTV footage from the vicinity to identify and trace the perpetrators.
Details of the Heist Emerge
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Jagdish Bangarwa provided crucial insights into the modus operandi of the thieves. According to preliminary investigations, the suspects arrived at the scene in a car and executed the entire burglary within a remarkably short span of 20 to 25 minutes. "We are currently analysing the CCTV footage to determine the exact escape route taken by the suspects," stated DCP Bangarwa. "This includes investigating whether they fled towards the Civil Hospital area, Greenland Chowkdi, or in the direction of Bhavnagar Road."
Adding to the timeline, Senior Inspector Mehul Gondaliya of the DCB noted that the CCTV evidence suggests the theft was carried out between 2 am and 3 am. Preliminary findings indicate the involvement of three suspects in this meticulously planned operation.
Trader's Account and Discovery
Atul Busa informed the police that he had been operating his silver jewellery firm from a house owned by an individual named Bipin in Champak Nagar for just the past eight days. The shop employed two artisans, and together, the three of them were engaged in job work on silver ornaments.
Busa recounted that on February 3, he had to attend a wedding function. Before leaving, he securely locked the shop and took the key with him. However, the situation took a dramatic turn on February 4 around 8:45 am when he received an alarming call from his uncle, Jayesh Busa, who informed him that the shop door was found wide open.
Upon rushing to the scene, Busa discovered an iron rod, nearly two feet in length, lying near the door, indicating forced entry. A thorough check inside the premises revealed the devastating loss: silver jewellery worth Rs 1.62 crore was missing, leaving the trader and his employees in a state of shock and financial distress.
Ongoing Efforts and Community Impact
The police are leaving no stone unturned in their investigation. The analysis of CCTV footage is a critical component, as it may provide vital clues about the identity of the suspects, their vehicle, and their escape route. The sheer scale of the theft—140 kilograms of silver—highlights the audacity of the crime and has raised concerns about security measures in the area.
Local business owners and residents are now on high alert, with many calling for increased police patrols and enhanced security protocols to prevent such incidents in the future. The case underscores the challenges faced by small traders and artisans in safeguarding their valuable assets against organized criminal activities.
As the investigation progresses, authorities remain hopeful that the combination of technological evidence and diligent police work will lead to the swift apprehension of the culprits and the recovery of the stolen silver jewellery.
