Rajkot, February 8: The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has recovered 40 kilograms of silver and arrested one individual in connection with a significant theft in Rajkot, Gujarat. Approximately 120 kilograms of silver were stolen in this incident, officials reported on Sunday.
The theft occurred on February 4 in the Champak Nagar area of Rajkot. According to police, unknown assailants broke into a residential complex early Sunday morning, making off with silver worth over ₹1 crore.
Authorities revealed that the suspects arrived in a four-wheeler between 2:00 and 2:30 AM, targeting the home of Bipin, who is associated with local businessman Atul Patel. Upon discovering the theft, Bipin informed Patel, who then alerted the police, prompting an investigation.
To identify the suspects, CCTV footage from nearby areas was reviewed. During the investigation, the city’s Crime Branch received specific information that a portion of the stolen silver was being transported to Mehsana for sale.
Acting on this tip-off, a Crime Branch team conducted a targeted operation and seized 40 kilograms of silver. One accused, identified as Pradeep Prajapati, was arrested. Officials confirmed that the recovered silver is part of the stolen haul from Rajkot.
Another suspect, Mukesh Prajapati, remains at large, and authorities suspect he may possess the remaining stolen silver. An officer stated that preliminary investigations indicate Pradeep was caught with the stolen valuables, and formalities are underway. The other suspect seen on CCTV is still evading capture, and efforts are ongoing to locate him. There is a possibility that agents or other accomplices involved in the silver sale may surface.
Initial investigations suggest that the theft was premeditated and involved multiple individuals. Police teams have been deployed in Surat and Vadodara to search for and apprehend the fleeing suspects. Further investigations are ongoing to recover the remaining 80 kilograms of silver and identify others connected to the crime.
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MS/