Police in Prayagraj are conducting an intensive search for four unidentified women who brazenly stole ornaments valued at approximately Rs 6 lakh from a jewellery shop in the upscale Civil Lines area. The audacious theft, executed with precision on New Year's Eve, was captured in its entirety by the store's security cameras.
The Swift 14-Minute Operation
The incident unfolded when the quartet, accompanied by a child likely as a decoy to avert suspicion, entered the shop posing as genuine customers. In a move of calculated distraction, they targeted a moment when the shop assistant turned his attention to another counter. Seizing the opportunity, one of the women swiftly concealed a box containing the valuable jewellery under her woollen shawl. Authorities confirmed the entire act, from entry to exit, lasted a mere 14 minutes.
Police Investigation Intensifies
Following the theft, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant legal sections. Inspector Ramashraya Yadav of Civil Lines police station informed that two dedicated police teams have been formed to track down and arrest the accused. The investigation is heavily reliant on the CCTV footage, which has provided clear visuals of the women involved.
"We have managed to get clear photos of the women involved in the sensational theft and are taking action accordingly," Inspector Yadav stated. The police are currently analyzing the video evidence and pursuing all possible leads to identify and locate the culprits.
Modus Operandi and Ongoing Manhunt
The theft highlights a sophisticated modus operandi where the perpetrators used disguises, a child for cover, and swift execution to minimize detection. The choice of a busy period like New Year's Eve further indicates premeditation. The Prayagraj police's manhunt is now focused on tracing the quartet's escape route and establishing their identities through the evidence gathered from the CCTV footage.
Shop owners in the Civil Lines area have been alerted, and the police are reviewing similar past incidents to check for patterns. The public has also been urged to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation.
