The Rajkot Crime Branch has solved a major Diwali-era burglary from the house of a goldsmith’s family, who were away for Chopda Pujan (account book worship). Acting swiftly on CCTV footage, police arrested a suspect from Bhavnagar near Aji Dam and recovered all stolen valuables.
Interestingly, while the family reported a theft of Rs40.30 lakh, police recovered gold and silver ornaments worth Rs66.80 lakh and cash of Rs2.35 lakh, totaling Rs70.05 lakh. The accused already had a housebreaking case registered at Nilambaug Police Station, Bhavnagar.
According to Rajkot Crime Branch DCP Jagdish Bangarwa, the theft occurred on October 20 between 7:45 PM and 11:30 PM. Gold, silver, and cash were stolen from a locked house opposite the Post Office in Bhaktinagar Society, Street No. 5. The family had left home for their shop during the four-hour window, during which the thief broke in.
To solve the case, a special team under the Police Inspector examined CCTV cameras around the house. Footage revealed a man fleeing the scene, which helped police trace and detain him in Bhavnagar.
The accused was identified as 40-year-old Irfan alias Bhuro Iqbalbhai Sama, a Bhavnagar resident engaged in the scrap business. Authorities recovered gold ornaments weighing 613.150 grams (Rs65.48 lakh), silver ornaments worth Rs1.32 lakh, cash of Rs2.35 lakh, a two-wheeler, and a mobile phone.
The total recovery of Rs70.05 lakh exceeded initial estimates, surprising both police and the complainants. Irfan has a prior record of housebreaking in Bhavnagar, making this a notable success for the Rajkot Crime Branch.
