Bengaluru: Police have arrested three men in connection with the robbery at Sri Rama Jewellers near Machohalli Gate on July 24, where the accused looted gold after threatening staff with a toy gun. The swift heist, executed in just 18 seconds, was captured on the store’s CCTV cameras.
Habitual offenders behind the heist
The arrested men have been identified as Mohammed Rafik, Noushad and Mohammed Ibtekar, while the fourth accused, Ramshad, remains absconding.
Police investigations revealed that Rafik, a repeat offender, had earlier been arrested by Siddapura police in January for snatching a gold chain from a 62-year-old woman in Jayanagar 2nd Block. His involvement in the Machohalli jewellery heist came to light after police matched his movements on CCTV footage.
The group is said to have been involved in nearly 50 robberies across different parts of the state. The accused hail from Bihar, Udupi, Kodagu and Odisha, police sources confirmed.
Robbery executed in 18 seconds
The robbery took place around 9 pm during the shop’s closing hours, when store owner Kannaiah Lal was placing ornaments in a safe.
According to police, the four accused arrived on a two-wheeler with a fake number plate. Three of them, their faces covered with masks, entered the store and threatened staff with a toy gun before escaping with around 150 grams of gold ornaments.
The store owner lodged a complaint at the Madanayakanahalli police station, leading to a joint investigation.
Recovery and investigation progress
Police have so far recovered gold ornaments worth ₹30 lakh, two cars, and ₹10 lakh in cash from the accused.
“The accused are habitual offenders. Their modus operandi involves quick robberies, often lasting less than a minute. We are now intensifying efforts to nab the absconding accused, Ramshad,” an investigating officer said.