In a brazen daylight robbery that has sent shockwaves through the region, a group of armed men targeted a prominent jewellery store in Punasa town of Khandwa district on Friday evening. The assailants fled with jewellery and cash estimated to be worth a staggering over Rs 2 crore, according to the shop owner.
The Heist: A Swift and Violent Attack
The incident unfolded at the Krishna Jewellers outlet located in the busy Solanki market. The timing was strategic, coinciding with the bustling crowd of the weekly market and the ongoing Kalsan Mata fair. Proprietor Rakesh Soni was in the process of closing his shop for the day and had already packed the day's stock into two bags.
Suddenly, around 5-6 attackers stormed the premises. When Soni attempted to resist, they brutally assaulted him with sticks, stones, sharp weapons, and even a country-made pistol. The group snatched the two bags containing the valuables and made a swift escape. The loot included 900 grams of gold, 80 kilograms of silver, and approximately Rs 1 lakh in cash.
Chaos and Chase: Gunshots Trigger Stampede
As the dacoits fled towards Dharaji Road, some brave shopkeepers and local residents gave chase in an attempt to apprehend them. In a bid to deter the pursuers, the fleeing criminals allegedly opened fire. The sound of gunshots plunged the crowded market into immediate panic, triggering a stampede. Terrified shoppers and vendors scrambled to pull down shutters and hide inside shops for safety.
Rakesh Soni sustained significant injuries to his head, legs, and other body parts during the assault. After receiving primary treatment, he was referred to a hospital in Sanawad for further medical care.
Police Response and Manhunt Launched
Senior police officials, including Superintendent of Police Manoj Rai and ASP (Rural) Rajesh Raghuvanshi, immediately reached the crime scene. A massive search operation was launched, with police cordoning off Dharaji Road and combing nearby villages and forest areas.
SP Manoj Rai announced that a reward of Rs 10,000 has been declared for information leading to the arrest of the accused. "Special teams have been formed and dispatched to Dewas and other regions to conduct intensive searches," Rai stated, underscoring the seriousness with which the police are treating this high-value dacoity.
The audacious robbery in the middle of a crowded fair has raised serious concerns about security in the area. The police investigation is now focused on identifying and tracking down the armed gang responsible for one of the most significant heists in the region's recent history.
