In a major breakthrough, Maharashtra Police have arrested five individuals in connection with the robbery of gold ornaments worth Rs 71 lakh from a jewellery shop in Vasai, Palghar district. The robbery took place on January 10, 2024, when a group of armed men stormed the shop, threatening the owner at gunpoint, assaulting him, and making off with 949.55 grams of gold.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-II, Vasai), Poornima Chougule-Shringi, the police have recovered stolen items valued at Rs 23.39 lakh from the gang. Some of the arrested members have been previously involved in multiple criminal cases.
The police meticulously reviewed footage from over 600 CCTV cameras, which helped them trace two of the main accused, Anuj Gangaram Chowgule (36) and Royal alias Roy Edward Sequeira (46). Further investigation led to the arrest of two additional suspects from Satara. Additionally, a Solapur-based jeweller, who had purchased the stolen gold, was also apprehended in Karnataka.
Chowgule, who has been implicated in 20 criminal cases, and Royal, named in 12 cases, are among the key figures behind this heist.
DCP Poornima Chougule-Shringi stated, “We are now focusing on tracing any additional connections and ensuring that all stolen valuables are recovered.” The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to track down further links within the gang.
