A shocking incident of attempted armed robbery unfolded in Maharashtra's Nagpur city on Tuesday, where two men disguised as online food delivery workers forced their way into a residential property. The crime occurred within the jurisdiction of the Beltarodi police station in Prithviraj Nagar. Alert neighbours and family members quickly tracked down the suspects shortly after the break-in, cornering one of the men while the other fled. Following the confrontation and his handover to the police, the detained suspect reported feeling unwell and was transported to a medical hospital, where attending doctors pronounced him dead.
Intruders Disguised in Food Delivery Uniforms
According to police details, the sequence of events began around 4:30 PM on Tuesday. Two unidentified men arrived in Prithviraj Nagar, located in the New Manish Nagar area near Model Mill Samiti, wearing standard T-shirts associated with food delivery platforms. Their appearance allowed them to move through the residential neighbourhood without raising immediate alarms. Rather than delivering orders, the duo used the disguise as cover to scout and target an occupied home for an armed robbery.
Armed Confrontation and Attempted Chain Snatching
The targeted residence belonged to Usha Devi Das Dharmik. While she was inside, the two assailants made an unannounced entry into the house. One of the intruders held a knife to her throat, issuing threats and attempting to strip her of gold ornaments. Showing remarkable composure, Usha resisted the assault and raised an alarm, shouting loudly for assistance. Amid the struggle, her mangalsutra snapped, and the attacker managed to snatch only a broken portion of the sacred chain before the situation slipped out of their control.
Quick Thinking by Daughter-in-Law Foiled Robbery
Hearing the commotion and screams in the main hall, Usha's daughter-in-law stepped out from an adjoining room to investigate. The armed intruders immediately confronted her, demanding that she surrender cash and jewellery as well. Acting with presence of mind, she told the intruders that she needed to put her young children into the bedroom first. Using that pretext, she rushed inside with the children, latched the door securely from within, and immediately called her husband and nearby residents to inform them of the ongoing home invasion.
Suspects Caught While Changing Clothes Nearby
Upon receiving the emergency call, Usha Dharmik's son rushed to the house accompanied by a group of friends. Teaming up with local residents, they launched a search across the surrounding neighbourhood to locate the fleeing robbers. A short distance from the crime scene, the search party spotted two individuals who were in the process of taking off their food delivery T-shirts. Their suspicious conduct prompted the group to surround them and demand answers. When questioned, the two claimed to be daily wage labourers employed at a nearby construction site. However, when the crowd pressed them to pinpoint the exact construction location, both men became visibly flustered and could not give a coherent response, confirming the crowd's suspicions that they were the perpetrators.
One Suspect Escapes While Other Collapses and Dies
Taking advantage of the unfolding confusion, one of the suspects, identified as Deepak Patil, managed to slip away from the gathering and escaped the scene. The second suspect, identified as Sumedh Rajendra Gajbhiye, also referred to as Sumit Gajbhiye, a resident of New Narsala, was subdued by the crowd. The Beltarodi police were notified, and a police team led by station in-charge Naikwad reached the spot to take custody of the suspect. After reaching the police station, the detained suspect complained of severe physical distress. Police personnel immediately transported him to the Medical Hospital for treatment and formal medical examination, where medical officers examined him and declared him dead.
Crime Branch and CID Initiate In-Depth Inquiries
Senior police officials have stepped in to supervise the follow-up procedures. Nagpur Joint Commissioner Navinchandra Reddy confirmed that the department is conducting an exhaustive investigation into all aspects of the episode. He stated that the exact circumstances and medical cause of death will be determined conclusively once the post-mortem report is finalized. Joint Commissioner Reddy further indicated that the Nagpur Police Crime Branch has taken over the active probe into the robbery attempt and subsequent events. In accordance with established legal procedures concerning deaths following detention, the state Criminal Investigation Department will also carry out a formal inquiry into the case.
