Kundapura: Police have arrested a 42-year-old man in connection with a jewellery shop theft case in which a gold chain was allegedly stolen by posing as a customer. The accused is said to have diverted the attention of shop staff before making away with the ornament. Police have recovered the stolen gold chain and seized cash from his possession.

The arrested accused has been identified as Ramesh (42), a resident of Badaga in Kajekar village of Bantwal taluk. He was traced and taken into custody during a targeted investigation launched after the shop owner filed a complaint.

Theft at jewellery store

According to the complaint, the incident took place on the evening of January 27 at SPG Gold and Diamond shop located near Shastri Circle. An unidentified person entered the store pretending to be a genuine customer interested in purchasing gold jewellery.

Police said the suspect engaged the shop staff in conversation and asked to see multiple items. While the staff were attending to his queries and showing ornaments, he allegedly diverted their attention and stole a gold chain weighing about 9 grams.

The value of the stolen chain was estimated at around Rs 1.25 lakh. The theft came to light shortly afterward when the staff noticed the ornament missing during stock verification. A formal complaint was then lodged, and a case was registered at the police station under relevant sections related to theft.

Investigation and tracing of accused

After registering the case, investigators began examining CCTV footage from the shop and nearby establishments. Visual evidence and field enquiries helped police develop leads regarding the suspect’s identity and movement.

Based on technical inputs and local intelligence, the investigation team tracked down the accused to his native area. He was subsequently apprehended and brought in for questioning.

During interrogation, police said the accused’s involvement in the theft was established. Following this, officers recovered the stolen gold chain from his possession.

Recovery of stolen property and cash

In addition to recovering the 9-gram gold chain, police also seized Rs 33,000 in cash from the accused. Officials said the cash is suspected to be linked to related transactions following the theft and will be examined as part of the evidence trail.

The recovered gold chain has been documented and will be produced before the court as case property. Police said recovery of the stolen ornament strengthens the prosecution case and will support further legal proceedings.

Investigators are also verifying whether the accused may have been involved in similar distraction thefts at jewellery shops or retail outlets in other areas.

Produced before court

After completion of initial procedures, the accused was produced before the jurisdictional court. The court remanded him to judicial custody pending further investigation and trial.

Police said additional enquiries are underway to check the accused’s background and any prior criminal record. Statements from shop staff and witnesses have also been recorded as part of the case file.

Police team involved

The detection and arrest operation was carried out under the guidance of DySP H.D. Kulkarni. The investigation was led by Police Inspector Jayaram D. Gowda with the support of PSIs Nanjanayk N. and Pushpa.

Police staff members Santosh, Mahabala Shettigar, Prince, Ghanashyam, Santosh Devadiga, Gautham, Lohith and Chandrashetty were part of the investigation and field team that traced and secured the accused.

Officials said traders and jewellery shop owners have been advised to remain vigilant against distraction theft methods and ensure strict monitoring of display counters and customer handling procedures.