Massive Gold Heist in Patna: Criminals Impersonate Customs Officers
In a brazen daylight robbery, criminals disguised as customs officers looted approximately 17 kilograms of gold jewellery valued at over Rs 25 crore from two employees of a Gujarat-based jeweller near Danapur railway station in Patna on Saturday. The audacious incident, which has sent shockwaves through the local community, occurred under the jurisdiction of the Khagaul police station.
Details of the Robbery
The victims, identified as Mahesh Mamtora and Prince Ramparia, residents of Rajkot, had arrived in Danapur from Ahmedabad via the Saharsa Express. They were transporting the gold jewellery on behalf of their employer, Sunil Bhai, a prominent jewellery store owner in Rajkot. While travelling in an auto-rickshaw towards Bakerganj, their vehicle was intercepted near the Khagaul overbridge by a gang of five to seven individuals.
The assailants, dressed in white shirts and khaki pants to mimic official attire, were travelling in a car adorned with a police sticker and accompanied by two motorcycles. They confidently asserted their authority as customs officers and, after a brief inspection, seized three bags containing the precious gold. To escalate the situation, they forcibly took Mahesh into their vehicle.
Victims' Ordeal and Police Investigation
Prince Ramparia later informed the police that the gang's professional demeanor initially led them to believe they were dealing with genuine officials. Mahesh was blindfolded, tied up, and subsequently released at a deserted stretch on Naubatpur Road. The criminals fled the scene after abandoning both victims, leaving them traumatized and without the valuable consignment.
Khagaul police have swiftly taken action, seizing the vehicle used in the crime, which bore a fake registration number. Authorities are currently tracing the vehicle's owner through its chassis number. CCTV footage retrieved from Danapur railway station reveals that the suspects were tailing the victims from the moment of their arrival, indicating a premeditated plan. The investigation is being bolstered by senior police officers and the special task force (STF), who are providing crucial assistance.
Official Statements and Ongoing Probe
Shivam Dhakad, SDPO-I of Danapur, confirmed that a fraud case has been registered under the Khagaul police station. He stated, "Two persons arriving from Rajkot by train with gold were deceived and robbed by unknown criminals posing as customs officers." The police have contacted the owner of the gold, Sunil Bhai, who arrived in Patna on Sunday to lodge a formal complaint. A detailed verification of the stolen items will be conducted based on his account.
Dhakad added, "The investigation is progressing in all directions using both manual and technical intelligence. At least five to six persons were involved, and they are visible in the CCTV footage." The police are leveraging all available resources to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen gold, emphasizing the seriousness of this high-value crime.
