In a shocking and daring incident, two armed robbers looted Mayank Jewellers, a jewellery store in Vasai’s Agarwal City, in just 80 seconds. The robbery took place on Friday night and has left the local community shaken. The robbers managed to escape with gold estimated to be worth ₹40 lakh.
What Happened?
The crime unfolded swiftly at around 8:00 PM, when the store’s owner, 67-year-old Ratanlal Singhvi, was alone in the shop. CCTV footage revealed how the two masked men barged into the shop, with one of them wielding a gun. The footage shows them overpowering Singhvi, forcing him into the locker room, and assaulting him before emptying the main locker.
One robber gagged Singhvi, pinning him to the ground, while the other looted the gold. After a few seconds, the second assailant also began grabbing jewellery from the locker. The robbers stuffed the gold into a bag and fled the scene, all within a mere 1 minute and 20 seconds.
A Community in Shock
The owner, Singhvi, who sustained minor injuries, was treated with first aid and is now recovering. His son, Manish Singhvi, expressed disbelief and shock at the audacity of the robbery. “It’s terrifying how quickly they carried out the heist. It’s like they knew exactly what they were doing,” he said.
The incident has not only caused financial loss to the family but has also left the community alarmed. Mayank Jewellers, located in a bustling area of Agarwal City, is a well-known store frequented by many residents.
Police Investigation Underway
The Mira Bhayander Vasai Virar (MBVV) Police have registered a case under sections of theft and the Arms Act. Senior officers visited the crime scene to gather evidence and are analyzing the CCTV footage for clues.
Investigators suspect that the robbers may have had accomplices stationed outside the store or nearby to aid in their escape. While the exact amount of stolen gold is still being calculated, initial estimates suggest the robbers made off with around 50-60 tolas of gold.
“The robbers even took the trays along with them, which makes it challenging to immediately determine the exact value of the loot,” said a senior police officer.
Concerns Over Law and Order
This robbery has reignited concerns about law and order in the Vasai area. Residents and business owners are now questioning the effectiveness of police vigilance in such high-traffic areas. The daring heist has also brought back memories of a similar incident that occurred in August 2021 in Nalasopara West, where another jeweller was robbed in broad daylight.
In the 2021 incident, 48-year-old Kishor Jain, the owner of the jewellery store, was murdered during the robbery. The parallels between the two cases have heightened fears among local business owners, many of whom are now calling for stricter security measures and increased police presence.
Safety Concerns for Jewellers
Jewellery stores, often holding valuable stock, have always been prime targets for criminals. The brazen nature of this robbery has prompted local jewellers to demand better protection and quicker police response times.
“The thought that anyone could walk into a store with a gun and leave within minutes with such a large haul is terrifying,” said a nearby shop owner. “We need more patrolling in this area, especially in the evenings.”
A Race Against Time
The police are now racing against time to apprehend the robbers before they manage to sell or dispose of the stolen gold. One of the robbers was wearing a helmet, while the other had his face covered with a mask, making identification difficult.
Authorities are working to trace the escape route and are checking for any witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity around the shop. They are also exploring the possibility of the robbers being part of a larger gang.
Call for Vigilance
This incident serves as a wake-up call for both business owners and law enforcement in the region. Local jewellers are now being advised to install additional security measures, such as reinforced locks, silent alarms, and panic buttons, to prevent such incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, residents have been urged to report any suspicious activity or individuals to the police immediately.
Conclusion
The robbery at Mayank Jewellers is a grim reminder of the challenges faced by business owners in safeguarding their establishments. As the police intensify their investigation, the community waits for justice to be served.
For now, the incident has left Vasai residents unsettled, with many hoping for swift action and increased vigilance to ensure such daring crimes do not occur again.
Two weeks after the shocking Rs 80-lakh heist at a jewellery shop in Vasai, police have made a breakthrough by arresting one of the accused. However, the search for the remaining suspects continues, with authorities leaving no stone unturned to bring them to justice.
The crime, which took place on the night of January 10, involved two men on motorcycles. Wearing helmets, hoodies, and masks, they entered a jewellery shop in Vasai (West), assaulted the elderly shop owner, and held him at gunpoint before fleeing with jewellery worth Rs 80 lakh.
Manikpur Police, who have been investigating the case, recently discovered that the suspects had been hiding in Chulna village near Vasai. A source confirmed, “We suspect four to five men were involved in this well-planned crime. So far, one individual has been arrested, and we are working to identify and apprehend the others.”
The investigation has been a coordinated effort, with six teams of officers and the crime branch involved. A significant lead came from tracking the suspects to Sun City, Vasai, where they were last seen near a park. From there, the trail led investigators to Chulna village, where one suspect was finally arrested.
The police are now focusing on recovering the stolen jewellery and gathering more information from the arrested individual to trace the remaining suspects. “The arrested person’s cooperation is key to solving this case,” an officer stated.
The incident has sparked concerns among Vasai residents, particularly shop owners, about safety in the area. Many have called for increased security and regular patrolling to prevent such crimes. Meanwhile, the authorities have assured the public that they are committed to ensuring justice is served and safety is restored.
With investigations ongoing, the community hopes for swift action in capturing all those involved in the daring heist. Stay tuned for further updates.