The Ahmedabad Crime Branch achieved another breakthrough in the high-profile silver theft case from Rajkot, recovering an additional 40 kg of stolen silver during a late-night operation on Monday. With this development, the total recovery has reached around 80 kg out of the 120 kg of silver stolen in the case.
Officials said the key accused, Mangusingh Rathore, a resident of Naroda in Ahmedabad, was intercepted near the Mango Cinema area after a targeted manhunt and surveillance-based tracking. He was taken into custody and later questioned by investigators.
Following his arrest, Crime Branch officers conducted a search at Rathore’s residence. During the operation, police recovered another 40 kg of silver and seized equipment allegedly used to modify the stolen metal.
According to officials, the recovered consignment included 30 kg of silver ornaments in their original form and 10 kg of melted silver. Investigators also seized a furnace and other tools that Rathore allegedly used to melt the stolen ornaments and remove identifiable markings.
Police said the accused melted the ornaments and converted them into silver bars, making it easier to sell them in the market without raising suspicion.
The theft originally occurred on February 4 in the Champaknagar area of Rajkot, where silver trader Atul Patel had stored approximately 125 kg of silver. Investigators believe the accused had prior information about the stock and broke into the premises before fleeing with the stolen metal.
During the investigation, the Crime Branch traced leads to two brothers from Mehsana — Pradeep Prajapati and Kamlesh Prajapati. Police earlier recovered 40 kg of silver from Pradeep Prajapati, while Kamlesh Prajapati is still absconding.
According to officials, the earlier recovery was made after a tip-off about a large consignment of stolen silver being transported for sale in Mehsana. Crime Branch officers intercepted the accused while the consignment was being moved.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and efforts are underway to locate the remaining accused and recover the rest of the stolen silver.
