MAGADI – In a gripping turn of events, local police apprehended two suspects at Mumbai International Airport mere moments before they could board a flight to flee the country. The individuals, wanted for a high-profile theft involving 4 kg of gold and ₹5 lakh in cash, were on the run for twenty days following their brazen robbery in Magadi.
The suspects, identified as Sadiq (44) from Chikkamagaluru and his accomplice Amjan (24), were detained on Wednesday and subsequently transported back to Magadi by local police on Thursday. Their arrest marks a significant step in a case that has garnered considerable attention due to the sheer audacity of the crime.
The theft took place on September 22, targeting the residence of Venugopal Gupta, the owner of the Vasavambha cloth and pawn shop located on Dr. Rajkumar Main Road. Gupta and his family were attending a function in Channapatnam when the suspects broke into the upper room of his home. Among the stolen items were gold ornaments belonging to the Vasavi temple, where Gupta serves as treasurer, alongside pawned jewelry and cash.
Following the incident, police launched an investigation that uncovered the meticulous planning involved in the heist. CCTV footage revealed the suspects conducting surveillance in Magadi town just a day prior to the robbery. They were seen in an SUV equipped with fake number plates, patiently waiting for a power outage on the day of the crime to facilitate their escape.
After the robbery, Sadiq and Amjan fled to Chikmagalur in their vehicle. A breakthrough came when investigators traced their movements to a tea shop where they had stopped during their getaway. This critical piece of evidence allowed the police to identify Sadiq as a notorious thief with a prior record, alongside his associate Amjan.
As the investigation progressed, police learned that the suspects had traveled from Chikmagalur to Mumbai with intentions of fleeing the country. With this information in hand, Magadi police acted swiftly, coordinating a response that culminated in the arrests at the airport.
Police sources revealed that Sadiq has a history of similar criminal activities, including a previous theft in Tipatur where he successfully stole 2 kg of gold jewelry before fleeing abroad. Authorities suspect that at least three additional individuals were involved in the current heist, and efforts are ongoing to locate these suspects.
The successful apprehension of Sadiq and Amjan represents a significant breakthrough in a case that has captivated local interest. While the police work diligently to recover the stolen items and bring any remaining perpetrators to justice, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling organized crime. The investigation remains active, and authorities are optimistic about resolving the case fully in the near future.
As police continue their search for the other suspects, the focus now shifts towards securing the return of the stolen valuables and ensuring that those responsible for this audacious crime face appropriate consequences.