The Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Zone-1, arrested seven individuals within hours of the thieves attempting to rob employees of Palm Jewels in the basement of Super Mall on CG Road in Navrangpura, Ahmedabad.
The accused attacked the employees with chilli powder, attempting to snatch valuables before escaping. However, the LCB team swiftly identified and arrested them using CCTV footage and technical surveillance.
The attempted robbery took place on March 10, after which an FIR was registered at Navrangpura police station under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita(BNS). The LCB team reviewed CCTV footage of the incident and identified an Eeco car used by the gang.
Tracing the vehicle led police to Nishit alias Shatru Bhikhabhai Solanki, a resident of Vaso, Kheda, who had been driving the car. Further investigations revealed that a well-organised gang of seven was behind the robbery attempt.
Among those arrested was Mitul Gopalbhai Darji, a former employee of Palm Jewels, who played a crucial role in the crime. Having worked at the store, he provided key information about jewellery movements and security loopholes to his accomplices. The group had conducted multiple reconnaissance trips to plan the heist.
Pawan Bharatbhai Soni, another key conspirator, played a central role in recruiting gang members. It was found that he paid ₹10,000 via Google Pay to hire additional men for the crime.
Others involved in the attempted robbery included Hitesh alias Kallu Anandbhai Maheshkar from Odhav, Sangram Singh alias Pindra Garwar Singh Rathore from Nikol, Deepak alias Machhar Sanjaybhai Shukla from Rakhiyal, and Anil Balkishan Parihar from Nikol.
Criminal records of the accused
Several of the arrested individuals had previous criminal records. Nishit Solanki had earlier been booked under multiple sections at Vaso police station, Similarly, Hitesh alias Kallu Anandbhai Maheshkar had been involved in multiple burglary cases registered at Odhav police station
Search for two more suspects
While the police have arrested seven individuals, two more suspects are absconding, including Raj Satya Prakash Mishra and one still needs to be identified. Efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend them.