Patna: Police have solved the sensational case of 14.90 kg of gold looted in Khagaul by criminals impersonating customs officials, revealing the involvement of two organised gangs working in coordination.
Investigations revealed that the conspiracy behind the robbery had been in the making for nearly one and a half years. One gang had been closely monitoring the movements of the businessman, while another group prepared to execute the crime.
According to police, members of the second gang learned the functioning of customs officials through YouTube online videos and used that knowledge to pose as officers. They carried out the robbery under the guise of an official inspection.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested three accused in connection with the case. From their possession, police recovered 5.403 kg of gold, Rs 1.97 lakh in cash, nine cartridges, along with a scooter and a car used in the crime.
However, six other accused remain absconding and are believed to be in possession of the remaining stolen gold. Police teams are conducting raids across two states to apprehend them.
The incident took place when employees of a Gujarat-based businessman arrived in Patna carrying 14.90 kg of gold. Near the Khagaul ROB, the accused intercepted them, introduced themselves as customs officials and began checking their belongings.
During the so-called inspection, the criminals took away the bag containing gold. They left one of the employees behind in a car before fleeing the scene.
Police said the accused were identified using CCTV footage and technical analysis, including mobile dump data. Subsequent raids led to the arrest of three individuals, including the alleged mastermind.
Investigators also found that the accused were preparing to melt the stolen gold to avoid detection. Some melted gold was recovered during the operation.
Police further revealed that the gang had maintained detailed records of the businessman’s movements in a diary. The diary, however, was reportedly burned after the crime to destroy evidence.
Officials said efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining gold and arrest the absconding accused.
