In a major heist that has sent shockwaves through the local police department, thieves broke into a jewelry showroom in Katni, Madhya Pradesh, and decamped with gold and diamond ornaments valued at more than Rs 10 crore. The perpetrators breached the showroom by creating a hole in the back wall and used a gas cutter to slice open the safe, escaping with valuable valuables under the cover of early morning hours.
According to available details, the burglary took place at Krishna Jewelers located in the Bargawan area on Thursday between approximately 4 am and 7 am. Closed-circuit television footage shows a masked individual entering the premises with tools, while an accomplice stands watch outside to assist. Reports indicate that the suspects spent roughly an hour inside the establishment executing the robbery before fleeing. Authorities suspect that more than six individuals were involved in planning and executing the crime.
Perpetrators breached the showroom wall
The criminals carried out the operation with meticulous preparation. According to individuals associated with the jewelry trade, the accused laid down leaves beneath the damaged section of the rear wall to muffle any noise caused while breaking the brickwork and dragging heavy gas cylinders inside. Once inside, they operated a gas cutter to breach the heavy-duty safe and extract the gold and diamond inventory stored within.
Authorities recover 265 fingerprints from the scene
Katni Superintendent of Police Abhinay Vishwakarma stated that 265 fingerprints have been lifted from the crime scene and are currently being analyzed. Investigators are also attempting to trace the origin of the gas cylinders, cutting equipment, and other tools utilized by the gang. Identification of several suspects has led law enforcement to initiate surveillance operations on them.
Police successfully recovered a gas cutter, a large oxygen cylinder, a domestic liquefied petroleum gas cylinder, empty water bottles, screwdrivers, a wrench, and discarded clothing from the Lal Pahari area approximately 300 meters away from the showroom. These recovered items are considered vital evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Increased inventory stocked for Diwali
The Krishna Jewelers showroom had reportedly opened earlier this year in June. Anticipating the festive demand during Diwali, the management had stocked a significantly higher volume of gold and diamond jewelry compared to regular business days. The showroom owner confirmed that the entire inventory stored on the premises was insured. Presently, teams from the Madhavnagar police station and the crime branch are actively pursuing the suspects, relying on surveillance footage, forensic fingerprints, and recovered equipment to track them down.
