In a startling revelation, Bhopal Police arrested three highly educated individuals—two computer science engineers and a private firm employee—linked to a series of high-value thefts across the city, amounting to over Rs1.5 crore.
Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra stated the breakthrough followed the investigation of a major burglary on May 14 in the Danish Kunj area. CCTV footage identified a suspicious white car, which ultimately led police to the suspects.
Those arrested include:
Yashwant Raghuvanshi – Computer science engineer from Vidisha
Bhupendra Sahu – Private employee residing in Katara Hills, originally from Raisen
Abhilash Vishwakarma – Another engineer, with a past criminal record including jail time in Warangal, Telangana
The trio allegedly conducted daytime recces of vacant houses, summoned accomplices from outside Bhopal, and committed thefts at night. Post-theft, the outsiders were sent back with their share, while the main accused deposited stolen gold at Muthoot Finance (Mandideep) to secure real estate loans.
Police seized:
Gold and silver jewellery
Silver coins
Rs24,000 in cash
Gold worth Rs40 lakh deposited with Muthoot Finance, now frozen
Bank accounts with suspicious transactions totaling Rs60 lakh, also frozen
The group has confessed to at least four thefts, including three in the Kolar Road area and one in Katara Hills. Authorities believe more cases could be linked as the investigation expands.
Despite their qualifications, the accused exploited their knowledge for criminal gain. Their real estate laundering methods raise concerns about how white-collar criminals are adapting modern finance tools for illegal activities.
