In a significant breakthrough, the Sangli police have apprehended four men, including an alleged gang leader and a local conspirator, and successfully recovered gold and silver jewellery valued at approximately Rs 3.2 crore. This recovery is directly linked to the audacious January 7 robbery at the Sangli District Central Cooperative Bank's Zare branch, located in Sangli's Atpadi tehsil.
Details of the Daring Bank Heist
The meticulously planned burglary occurred on the intervening night of January 6 and 7. The perpetrators gained unauthorized entry into the bank by breaking open a window. Using a gas cutter, they skillfully cut through the window grills to access the premises. Once inside, they targeted the safety lockers, managing to break into 22 out of the 35 lockers available.
The robbers also attempted to breach the cash deposit safe but were unsuccessful. Their efforts were thwarted when the gas required to cut open the safe was exhausted, preventing them from accessing the cash reserves. Preliminary estimates indicate that the thieves made off with a substantial haul, including 7 kilograms of gold and 20 kilograms of silver from the compromised safe deposit lockers.
Police Investigation and Key Arrests
Inspector Sanjeev Zade of the Sangli Local Crime Branch (LCB) provided detailed insights into the investigation. "During our thorough probe, we discovered that a group of seven to eight individuals had been staying at a lodge in Palus town," Zade explained. "They conducted extensive reconnaissance at various locations before ultimately selecting the Sangli DCC Bank's Zare branch as their target, primarily due to its perceived easy accessibility."
The investigation revealed a crucial connection involving Vishwajeet Patil, a resident of Palus. Patil, who was employed at a jewellery shop in Badaun district, Uttar Pradesh, came into contact with Rahul Sharma, a 27-year-old individual with a known criminal record with the UP Police. This connection proved pivotal in tracing the suspects.
Authorities obtained CCTV footage from the lodge where the group had stayed and circulated it to police forces in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. This coordinated effort led to the identification, arrest, and subsequent transfer of Rahul Sharma to Sangli for further interrogation.
Sting Operation and Recovery of Stolen Jewellery
Acting on credible intelligence that some individuals were planning to sell the stolen jewellery in Sangli, the police set up an elaborate trap near Sangliwadi. The operation resulted in the apprehension of three more suspects:
- Vishwajeet Patil (24), the alleged local conspirator from Bambavade
- Sanket Jadhav (26), from Balwadi in Khanapur tehsil
- Ijaj Attar (30), from Amnapur tehsil, Palus
The trio arrived in an SUV and was promptly arrested by the waiting police team. From their possession, authorities recovered gold and jewellery items worth an impressive Rs 3.15 crore.
Inspector Zade elaborated on the recovery, stating, "After intensive questioning, we confirmed that Patil and the two other arrested individuals were in possession of jewellery stolen from the bank lockers. This represents a partial recovery, as we have statements from locker customers detailing their missing items. We believe Sharma brought along several experts in this type of theft to execute the heist, and our teams are actively searching for these remaining accomplices."
Bank's Response and Enhanced Security Measures
In the wake of the security breach, Sangli DCC Bank's Managing Director Shivajirao Wagh outlined the comprehensive security upgrades implemented across all branches. "We have significantly strengthened security protocols at every branch," Wagh affirmed. "Vulnerable points, such as windows or doors that could provide easy access to safety lockers similar to the Zare branch incident, have been completely sealed with reinforced metal plates. Additionally, we have deployed dedicated watchmen for each safety locker room to prevent future incidents."
The police continue their investigation to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in this high-value heist, while the bank administration remains vigilant in fortifying their security infrastructure against potential threats.
