Rural police have arrested Ankush Dagdu Kachare (20) and Ganesh Bhambu Kachare (22), both residents of Katraj, for allegedly robbing a jewellery store at gunpoint in Khanapur. Police recovered gold ornaments worth Rs70.32 lakh from the accused, officials said on Tuesday. Three minors have also been taken into custody in connection with the crime.
The robbery occurred on December 26 around 12.30 pm at Vaishnavi Jewellers in Khanapur. According to police, five to six persons entered the shop, threatened staff with a weapon, and fled with 114 grams of gold ornaments and Rs20,000 in cash, collectively valued at Rs1.43 crore. The complaint was filed by shop employee Rani Amol Babar at Haveli police station.
Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill and Additional SP Ramesh Chopde visited the crime scene and directed an intensive investigation. Six police teams were formed, including four from the local crime branch and one team each from Haveli and Velhe police stations.
Investigators found that the accused escaped using two motorcycles. CCTV footage and witness statements helped police trace their route through Panshet and Velhe, eventually leading them to the Sinhagad forest area, where the accused were tracked down.
Further investigation is underway to recover the remaining stolen property and determine the role of the detained minors.
