Ara: In a major crackdown following the ₹11.75 crore jewellery heist at a Tanishq showroom in Arrah on March 10, the police have suspended three officers and removed a contract driver for negligence. So far, three criminals have been arrested, and two bags full of looted jewellery have been recovered.
Negligence Leads to Suspension of Police Personnel
Taking strict action, SP Shri Raj announced the suspension of:
- Inspector Manoj Tiwari (in charge of Dial 112)
- Female Constable Sweety Kumari
- Constable Mantu Kumar
Additionally, Dial 112 vehicle driver Arvind Kumar, a retired soldier, has been removed from duty, along with the Cross Mobile unit.
Delayed Police Response Helped Robbers Escape
According to reports, during the robbery, saleswoman Simran dialed 112 for help. However, she alleged that the police team kept asking for the location repeatedly, allowing the criminals to flee without resistance.
Encounter Leads to Arrest of Two Criminals
Following an intense chase, the police engaged in an encounter with two suspects, leading to their arrest. Two bags full of stolen jewellery were recovered from them.
Key Accused Caught, Link to Bengal Jail Revealed
In a further breakthrough, police arrested Gautam Kumar from Vaishali district. He is said to be a close associate of Chandan, a criminal currently lodged in Bengal Jail. The police have also seized the car and a mobile phone used in transporting the looted jewellery.
Temple Visit Before the Heist
In a bizarre turn of events, CCTV footage revealed that two of the criminals visited the Aranya Devi temple in Arrah before heading to Sheesh Mahal Chowk, where the showroom is located.
The footage shows the criminals at 10:14 AM, traveling towards the showroom on three bikes:
- First bike (Red Apache): Front rider wearing a mask, rear rider in black full sleeves.
- Second bike (Pulsar): Front rider wearing a helmet, rear rider without helmet.
- Third bike (Triple seat): Rider in cream/yellow shirt with helmet, middle rider in black jacket, rear rider in blue and orange jacket.
After the robbery, the criminal in the blue and orange jacket fled with a bag full of jewellery, while the one in the black jacket escaped with two bags.
Police Intensifies Crackdown
SP Raj confirmed that Chandan already has two cases of robbery and Arms Act violations registered at Bidupur, Vaishali police station. His involvement in the heist was revealed by Vishal Gupta and Kunal, criminals from Saran district who were arrested earlier.
More Arrests Expected
So far, three arrests have been made, and the police continue to hunt for the remaining culprits. Authorities have assured strict action and a thorough probe into the multi-crore robbery case.
