Over three weeks after a daring jewellery shop theft in Bathinda that sparked widespread trader protests, police have arrested four accused and recovered approximately 7 kg of stolen silver. Three of the suspects are from Madhya Pradesh, and one, Bikram Verma, is a jeweller from Ahmedgarh in Malerkotla.
The arrests have also helped resolve similar thefts reported from Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Mohali, and SBS Nagar districts.
The theft occurred at a jewellery shop in Pratap Nagar on the foggy night of January 14–15, when over 15 masked men broke the shutter and fled with gold and silver ornaments worth nearly Rs 45 lakh. CCTV footage captured the incident, and a case was registered at the Canal Colony police station on January 15.
The theft triggered protests by local traders, who displayed placards reading “Sari market vikau hai” (Entire market is for sale) and notices outside shops stating, “Eh dukaan vikau hai” (This shop is for sale).
Jyoti Yadav said the gang was traced through a combination of technical surveillance, human intelligence, and CCTV footage. After investigations across Punjab and Haryana, four accused — including Anil, Govinda, and Omi — were arrested. Bikram Verma was apprehended for allegedly purchasing the stolen silver.
“The gang often conducted reconnaissance by posing as balloon sellers during fairs. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining members,” SSP Yadav added.
