Shajapur: A family travelling from Indore to Sarangpur for a wedding was allegedly robbed in broad daylight near Bheru Dungri on National Highway-52 on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred in the Lalghati police station area of Shajapur district, where two men posing as sadhus intercepted the family’s vehicle and forcibly snatched gold jewellery from the women inside. A video of the incident has surfaced, showing the accused blocking the car and intimidating the passengers.
Imposters stop car under the guise of offering blessings
According to the complainant, Shahrukh, he was driving with his family towards Sarangpur when four individuals dressed as sadhus suddenly stood in front of the car. Pretending to bless the occupants, they allegedly reached into the vehicle and removed gold ornaments from the women seated inside.
Shahrukh said the accused snatched two rings and a gold chain with a pendant, leaving the family shocked and traumatised. The entire episode unfolded between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Tuesday, despite regular traffic movement on the highway.
Family threatened, car shaken to create panic
Recounting the ordeal, Shahrukh said the men placed their feet on the bonnet of the vehicle and began shaking the car aggressively in an attempt to scare the family. When the passengers protested, the imposters allegedly threatened to kill them.
He added that after committing the robbery, the culprits moved the car slightly and then fled the spot, heading towards either Indore or Ujjain. The victims said they were unable to react due to the suddenness of the attack and the fear instilled by the assailants.
Video of the incident goes viral
A video captured by a bystander — now circulating on social media — shows the two men blocking the family’s path, approaching the windows and forcibly taking the ornaments. The footage also depicts how they used intimidation tactics, including stamping on the bonnet, to ensure compliance.
Police begin investigation, teams deployed
Following the robbery, the victim’s family lodged a complaint at Lalghati police station. SDOP Gopal Singh Chauhan confirmed the details and said a police team immediately visited the site to assess the situation.
He said CCTV cameras installed along the highway are being checked to track the movement of the accused. “Teams are actively searching for the culprits, and the case will be solved soon,” Chauhan assured.
Police officials said they are investigating whether the group has been involved in similar crimes in neighbouring districts, as multiple cases of robbery by imposters posing as holy men have been reported in the region in recent months.
Conclusion
The broad-daylight robbery has sparked concerns among travellers using the Indore–Sarangpur route, with locals urging authorities to increase patrolling along NH-52. Police have said efforts are underway to strengthen surveillance and ensure the perpetrators are caught at the earliest.