In a swift breakthrough, Mangaluru Police have arrested four young men and detained a juvenile for orchestrating the abduction and robbery of a jewellery store worker. The incident occurred on September 26, when Mustafa, an employee at Choice Gold, was transporting a concealed gold bar under the seat of his scooter.
As he neared the Venkataramana Temple on Car Street, two men on a scooter intercepted him. Moments later, accomplices in a car dragged him inside, assaulted him, and eventually dumped him at Ekkur, fleeing with the stolen gold.
Police investigations led to the shocking revelation that the crime was planned with inside information. Farish (18), a former employee of the jewellery store, is believed to have tipped off the gang. The others arrested include Safwan (23), Arafat Ali (18), Faraz (19), and a juvenile also previously employed at the shop.
Safwan reportedly arranged the getaway vehicle, while a Suzuki Access scooter used in the crime has been recovered. Authorities are still on the lookout for the car and the missing gold bar.
Police say the robbery was a premeditated act, highlighting the growing trend of insider involvement in such heists.
