A rare and shocking incident unfolded in Bihar when a gang of thieves stormed into a Tanishq jewellery showroom in broad daylight and looted valuables worth approximately Rs 250 crore. The robbery took place on Monday morning at the showroom located in Gopali Chowk, under the jurisdiction of the Arrah police station. The criminals executed the heist with precise planning, overpowering the security personnel and holding staff and customers hostage at gunpoint.
How the Heist Unfolded
The robbery occurred at around 10:30 AM, a time when the shop had opened earlier than usual in anticipation of the upcoming holy festival. Eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage reveal that a group of five to six men entered the store strategically. As per showroom policy, groups larger than four are not allowed to enter at once. Exploiting this rule, the robbers entered the showroom in pairs. When the last member of the gang arrived, he brandished a firearm, assaulted the security guard, and forced his way inside.
Once inside, the armed criminals held the employees and customers at gunpoint while swiftly gathering gold jewellery, diamond pieces, and cash into their bags. Within minutes, they had looted a substantial amount and made their escape before anyone could react.
Looted Items: Gold, Diamonds, and Cash
According to showroom manager Kumar Mrityunjay, the thieves managed to seize a significant collection of valuables. The stolen items included gold chains, necklaces, bangles, diamond pieces, and a large sum of cash. The heist is being considered one of the most daring and substantial robberies in recent history.
Eyewitness Accounts and Security Breach
Security guard Manoj Kumar, who was stationed at the showroom entrance, narrated the terrifying experience. He confirmed that showroom policy prohibits the entry of more than four people at a time. The thieves exploited this rule by entering in pairs.
“Six criminals arrived in a car and parked it across the street. As per showroom regulations, we do not allow more than four people inside at once. So, they entered in pairs. When the sixth person came in, he pointed a pistol at my head, snatched my weapon, and assaulted me. After that, the gang proceeded to loot the jewellery and cash,” he recounted.
Another employee, Rohit Kumar Mishra, revealed that when the situation turned chaotic, staff members hid behind the counters to protect themselves. The entire ordeal left both employees and customers traumatized.
Police Action and Encounter with Suspects
Upon learning of the robbery, the superintendent of police for Bhojpur ordered thorough vehicle checks at all major checkpoints to prevent the robbers from escaping. Authorities swiftly circulated CCTV footage and images of the suspects via district WhatsApp groups to facilitate identification.
During one of these checkpoint inspections at Babura Choti bridge, law enforcement officers spotted six men on three motorcycles speeding towards Doriganj. When ordered to stop, the suspects attempted to flee, leading to a high-speed chase. The criminals opened fire at the police, prompting officers to retaliate in self-defense. In the ensuing gunfight, two of the robbers sustained injuries and were apprehended. The police recovered two pistols, ten cartridges, a Pulsar motorcycle, and a significant portion of the stolen jewellery from the Tanishq showroom.
Showroom Staff Criticize Delayed Police Response
While the police were able to recover some of the stolen items and detain a few suspects, showroom employees raised concerns about the delayed police response. According to showroom manager Kumar Mrityunjay, when the robbery was taking place, multiple calls were made to the police, but there was no immediate response.
“This is a clear lapse by the authorities. The robbery happened in the morning, not during late hours. We were calling the police repeatedly, but no one answered. This raises serious questions about the security measures in the area,” he told PTI. He further stated that two showroom executives suffered head injuries after being struck with a revolver by the robbers.
Ongoing Investigation and Security Measures
The police, in collaboration with Tanishq officials, are conducting a detailed assessment of the losses incurred. Meanwhile, security measures in jewellery stores across Bihar are being reviewed to prevent such incidents in the future. Authorities are also investigating whether the robbers had inside information about the showroom’s security protocols and the best time to strike.
As the investigation continues, the incident has raised alarming concerns about safety and law enforcement effectiveness in the region. The successful recovery of some stolen items and the arrest of suspects is a positive step, but questions remain about the overall preparedness of security forces to handle such high-profile crimes in broad daylight.
With a passion for news writing and a deep interest in Journalism, Bowrna wants to write articles that create an impact. Not only writing, she also has a passion for voiceovers and also aspires to become a Radio Jockey in the future. When not writing, she likes to listen to songs and dance to her heart's content. She is proficient in English, Tamil and Hindi.
Comments