Mangaluru: In a shocking daylight incident, a staff member of a jewellery shop in Hampankatta was abducted and robbed of a gold bar worth ₹1.5 crore on Friday, September 26. The daring heist has left the bustling commercial hub of Mangaluru shaken, while police have launched an intensive investigation to nab the culprits.
The incident
According to police sources, the victim, identified as Mustafa, an office staffer at the jewellery store, was tasked with transporting a gold bar weighing 1,650 grams to a jeweller’s workshop at Rathabeedi for refinement into pure gold. He was travelling on a scooter when he was suddenly intercepted by a group of miscreants.
Eyewitnesses reported that the gang, comprising around six unidentified men, arrived in a car and a scooter. They forcibly abducted Mustafa and held him captive as they drove him around different parts of the city before finally abandoning him near Ekkur. By then, the gang had fled with the gold bar, leaving Mustafa shaken but unharmed.
Police investigation
A case has been registered at the Mangaluru North police station, which is leading the investigation into the robbery. Police officials have confirmed that multiple teams are reviewing CCTV footage from key junctions across the city to trace the movements of the suspects’ car and scooter.
Preliminary findings suggest the crime was well-planned, as the assailants appeared to have prior knowledge of Mustafa’s route and timing. Police are also probing whether any insider involvement could have aided the gang in executing the heist.
Security concerns for jewellery businesses
The incident has sparked concerns among jewellers and gold traders in Mangaluru, who often transport large amounts of gold between workshops and stores. While police frequently advise traders to use secure transport facilities and avoid individual travel, many small and medium-sized businesses continue to rely on staffers for such tasks.
Local jewellers have urged authorities to strengthen patrolling in commercial areas like Hampankatta, Car Street, and Rathabeedi to deter such crimes. Some have also demanded a review of standard operating procedures for the safe movement of gold and valuables within the city.
A worrying trend
This robbery comes at a time when incidents of targeted crimes against traders and businessmen have been on the rise in coastal Karnataka. Though cases of armed robbery and abductions are rare in Mangaluru, police acknowledge that criminal gangs from outside districts may be involved.
Senior officers assured the public that swift action is being taken. “We are confident of identifying and arresting the culprits soon. Such incidents will not be tolerated,” a senior police official told reporters.
Conclusion
The audacious robbery has sent shockwaves through Mangaluru’s trading community, highlighting the risks faced by those handling high-value commodities like gold. As police tighten the noose on the culprits, the case serves as a stark reminder of the need for enhanced security protocols in the jewellery trade.