In a daring early-morning robbery in Thaltej, three unidentified men broke into the home of a city-based gynaecologist, held the elderly couple at knifepoint, and fled with cash, gold, and diamond-studded jewellery worth over 1.31 lakh. The robbers also threatened to kill them if they reported the incident to the police.
According to police, the incident occurred around 3:30 am on Wednesday at Bungalow No. 42, Nirant Park Society, Section 01, Thaltej. The victims, Dr. Madhusudan Chhotalal Patel (75), who runs a maternity hospital in Bapunagar, and his wife Vinaben, were asleep when the intruders entered.
Dr. Patel, in his statement to the police, said that his wife had woken up early for her morning prayers when three masked men, aged around 25, broke into their bungalow by forcing open the rooftop door. The intruders, armed with sharp-edged paddles fitted with lights, stormed into their bedroom and overpowered the couple.
“They threatened us with the weapons and forced my wife to open the iron safe kept in our bedroom. They looted Rs 40,000 in cash, two diamond-studded silver bangles worth Rs 50,000, two gold earrings valued at Rs 20,000, three wristwatches of an American brand worth Rs 20,000, a pearl necklace worth Rs 100, and an imitation jewellery set worth Rs 1,000. The total value of the stolen items is approximately Rs 1.31Lakh,” Dr. Patel told the police.
Before fleeing, the robbers threatened the couple, warning that they would return and kill them if they approached the police. Terrified, Dr. Patel and his wife contacted their daughter Dharti, who, along with her husband Dr. Jigar Shah, rushed to the house. After reviewing the footage from the bungalow’s CCTV cameras, the family alerted the police control room.
City police have filed a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an investigation. The probe is being led by PSI Meshchandra Vavjibhai Patel of Barwapur Police Station.
Officials said they are analyzing CCTV footage and other technical evidence to identify the suspects. Based on the method and boldness of the crime, police believe a professional gang may be involved.