The Ahmedabad Rural Police have successfully apprehended four suspects involved in the high-profile robbery at Kanakpura Jewellers, near Bopal Marigold Circle, which took place on January 2. However, the stolen valuables, valued at Rs73.1 lakh, remain unaccounted for.
Around 3:30 pm on January 2, four masked and armed assailants stormed Kanakpura Jewellers. The robbers, equipped with pistols, held the shop staff at gunpoint, restraining complainant Bharatbhai Ramjibhai Soni before looting gold, silver, and other precious items.
The crime, which took place in broad daylight, was recorded in a police case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Gujarat Police Act, and the Arms Act. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, senior officers, including Inspector General J R Mothaliya and Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Jat, mobilized teams from the Local Crime Branch (LCB), Special Operations Group (SOG), and Bopal police.
The investigation included an extensive review of over 300 CCTV cameras and interviews with local residents and security staff. Technical surveillance led to the identification of the suspects, who were traced to Uttar Pradesh.
Police teams traveled to Ghaziabad, Hapur, Farrukhabad, Aligarh, and Noida to track down the robbers. After days of coordinated efforts, all four suspects were apprehended. Despite the arrests, the stolen jewellery and weapons are still missing.
Authorities have confirmed that three country-made pistols were used in the robbery. While one pistol has been recovered, two remain untraceable. Investigations suggest that some of the stolen goods were sold to a jeweller in Uttar Pradesh, and further efforts are underway to locate the remaining valuables.
Superintendent Om Prakash Jat stated, “The suspects are in our custody on a 13-day remand. We’re confident that the stolen goods will be recovered as investigations continue.”
The mastermind behind the robbery, Birendrakumar Chandrapal Khatik, had inside knowledge of Ahmedabad’s geography from his job with Airtel Tower. He collaborated with Javed alias Patri and two security guards, Amarsingh and Jotsingh, who had worked at a security firm in Bopal.
The gang chose Kanakpura Jewellers as their target due to its location, which allowed for an easy escape route. They had spent days observing the store’s movements and carried out multiple reconnaissance missions before executing the robbery.
Superintendent Jat explained, “We suspect that more than four people are involved in the gang, which has a history of similar crimes. They had shortlisted five jewellery shops in the Bopal and Sarkhej areas before settling on Kanakpura, due to its strategic location.”
For over two weeks, the suspects observed the shop’s routine, picking the perfect moment for their heist. Despite their professional approach, the police remain determined to recover the stolen goods and ensure justice is served.