Agra Footwear Unit Heist: Computer Operator Among 3 Arrested for Rs 7.7 Crore Theft
In a significant breakthrough, Agra police have apprehended three individuals, including a computer operator, for their alleged involvement in a major theft at a footwear manufacturing unit in Sikandra. The accused are charged with stealing cash and jewellery valued at nearly Rs 7.7 crore from Roger Industries, with the crime executed through insider knowledge and careful planning.
Details of the Arrest and Recovery
The arrests were made on Friday when the suspects—identified as Anupam Sharma (30), his brother Anurag Sharma (41), and their associate Sanjay Singh (42)—were caught red-handed while attempting to divide the stolen property. The loot had been concealed in a forested area within the city. Police officials confirmed that the entire stolen cash and jewellery have been successfully recovered, marking a complete restitution of the stolen assets.
According to police reports, the theft occurred on January 19, with the culprits making off with Rs 66.33 lakh in cash, 3.8 kg of gold jewellery studded with diamonds, and 5.5 kg of silver from the factory premises. The company owner, Deepak Budhiraja, discovered the crime the same day after noticing broken locks on the factory gate and office lockers, prompting him to file a formal complaint at the Sikandara police station.
Insider-Led Heist Unraveled
Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar revealed that Anupam Sharma, who had been employed as a computer operator at the unit for the past four years, leveraged his intimate knowledge of the factory layout, security protocols, and staff movements to orchestrate the heist. The plan was deliberately set for a Sunday, when the unit was largely shut down, minimizing the risk of detection.
The execution involved Anupam gaining entry to the factory by first climbing an adjacent tin shed, then breaking a window on the first floor. Once inside, he disabled a CCTV camera in the owner's office before proceeding to loot the cash and jewellery. His brother Anurag and associate Sanjay acted as lookouts outside the premises and later assisted in hiding the stolen property in a nearby forest.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
During interrogation, Anupam confessed that he planned the theft to secure funds for relocating to Bengaluru with his girlfriend, highlighting a personal motive behind the elaborate crime. Anurag, who operates a dhaba in a village, allegedly played a key role in planning the heist and involved Sanjay in the scheme.
An FIR has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 331(4) for trespass, 305 for theft, and 317 for stolen property. All three accused have been remanded to judicial custody as the investigation continues to uncover further details of the crime.
This case underscores the vulnerabilities that businesses face from insider threats and the importance of robust security measures. The swift action by Agra police has not only led to the recovery of the stolen valuables but also serves as a deterrent to similar criminal activities in the region.
