Masked Robbers Execute Daring Rs 2.25 Crore Heist at Darbhanga Jewellery Shop
In a brazen daylight robbery that has sent shockwaves through the community, four armed criminals stormed a jewellery shop in the bustling Bada Bazar area of Darbhanga town on Friday. The masked assailants made off with a staggering haul, including jewellery valued at approximately Rs 2 crore and cash amounting to nearly Rs 25 lakh, according to police officials.
Terrifying Ordeal for Shop Occupants
Shop owner Manoj Thakur recounted the harrowing incident, stating, "I was attending to a customer when four criminals arrived brandishing pistols. They verbally abused everyone present and issued a chilling warning that anyone who shouted would be shot." Thakur emphasized that no resistance was offered due to the immediate threat of violence.
The robbers systematically filled four bags with gold and silver items from the shop, which were reportedly scattered during the transaction. At the time of the robbery, the shop contained two owners, two employees, and two customers, all of whom were subjected to the criminals' demands.
Violent Entry and Systematic Looting
Employee Birju Kumar described how one of the robbers physically grabbed him and dragged him further into the shop upon entry. Another employee revealed that the assailants immediately assaulted the owners, slapping them and pointing pistols directly at their heads to establish control.
"After establishing dominance through violence, they executed the robbery with precision," the employee stated. The criminals did not limit their theft to shop inventory; they also forcibly removed gold chains, rings, and cash from the customers who had come for shopping.
Thakur added, "They took away gold chains belonging to me, my son Monty, and the customers as well. All the criminals appeared to be between 25 and 30 years of age." In a calculated move to prevent immediate报警, the robbers confiscated mobile phones from everyone present, later discarding them near a temple.
Police Investigation and SIT Formation
Darbhanga SSP Jagannath Reddy confirmed that four criminals were involved in the meticulously planned robbery. Police are actively examining CCTV footage from the shop and surrounding areas, though the footage shows the accused wearing masks to conceal their identities.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted under the leadership of the City SP specifically to trace and apprehend the robbers. Reddy assured the public, "The SIT team has commenced operations and is working diligently. We are confident the criminals will be arrested soon."
The investigation focuses on piecing together the escape route and identifying the perpetrators through technological and forensic means, given the deliberate attempts to avoid detection.
