A newly inducted BSF constable has been arrested for robbing a jewellery shop in Farsh Bazar, Delhi, using a toy gun — a crime he allegedly committed after suffering losses in online gambling and getting inspired by crime shows, police said on Wednesday.
The accused, Gaurav Yadav (22), had joined the Border Security Force in 2023 and completed his training in May 2025. He was posted in Fazilka, Punjab, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Prashant Gautam.
Police say Yadav took leave on June 18, a day before the robbery, and traveled to Delhi, where he planned the heist while waiting to switch trains. On June 19, he walked into a jewellery shop in Farsh Bazar, pulled out what appeared to be a pistol, and stole four gold bracelets before fleeing on foot.
Authorities later confirmed the weapon was a toy gun, but the shop staff had been convinced it was real at the time of the robbery.
A case was registered under Section 309(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Farsh Bazar Police Station, and an investigation was launched. CCTV footage and tracking of Yadav’s movements led to his identification and arrest.
Police say the motive was linked to Yadav’s online gambling addiction and financial pressure. He reportedly admitted during questioning that binge-watching crime dramas had influenced his plan.
The BSF has been notified of the arrest and disciplinary actions are expected to follow.
