In a meticulously planned late-night operation, a burglar made off with a substantial sum of Rs 8.77 lakh from a hardware store in Bhopal's Berasia area. The incident, which has left the local business community on edge, is notable for the thief's audacious method of entry and exit via the building's rooftop.
The Discovery and the CCTV Evidence
The theft came to light on Monday morning when the shop owner, Girish Namdev, arrived to open his establishment on Vidisha Road. The 45-year-old property broker, who also runs the hardware business, found the main locks undisturbed. However, upon entering, he discovered that a large amount of cash kept in a drawer was missing.
Reviewing the shop's security footage provided a clear, if shocking, narrative. The CCTV cameras recorded an unidentified man entering the premises around 11:45 pm on Sunday night. The footage shows the intruder specifically targeting the cash, ignoring all other merchandise. He remained inside the shop for nearly four hours, finally making his escape around 5 am.
A Daring Rooftop Entry Points to Inside Knowledge
Police investigation at the spot revealed the thief's clever route. The hardware shop is located in a three-storey building. Officers found that the accused gained access through a door connected to the staircase leading to the third floor. While the building has no direct rooftop access, ongoing construction at a neighbouring house provided the perfect ladder.
Police suspect the burglar first climbed onto the under-construction building's roof, then crossed over to the shop building. After committing the theft, he retraced his steps to make a clean getaway. This calculated approach, combined with the fact that the thief did not touch any goods and went straight for the cash, has led investigators to a strong theory.
"The precision of the theft suggests the accused had prior knowledge of the shop's layout and the specific location where the cash was stored," a police official stated. This has shifted the focus towards potential insider involvement.
Investigation Focuses on Associates and Employees
Given the circumstances, the police probe is now examining individuals familiar with Girish Namdev's operations. The owner, a resident of Neelkanth Colony in Berasia, employs several workers for his dual businesses of property dealing and hardware. Authorities are gathering detailed information about all employees and other associates who might have had knowledge of the significant cash kept on the premises.
A case has been registered against an unidentified accused, and a manhunt is underway. The Berasia police are analyzing the CCTV footage thoroughly and pursuing all leads to trace the suspect who executed this bold, hours-long heist.
