UP STF Nabs Gangsters Linked to ₹7 Crore Jewellery Heist in West Bengal
In a significant breakthrough, the Special Task Force (STF) of the Uttar Pradesh Police has apprehended two individuals connected to a high-profile jewellery heist that occurred last month in West Bengal. The operation, which took place on August 3, involved a brazen robbery at the Sohan Gold and Diamond jewellery shop located in the Chandannagar Police Commissionerate of Hooghly district. The stolen items, valued at approximately ₹7 crore, included gold and diamond ornaments, as well as cash.
Arrest Details and Recovery
The arrested suspects, identified as Adarsh Singh Behda and Suraj Seth, were taken into custody on Tuesday near the Gambhirpur toll plaza in Azamgarh. Behda, a resident of Behda village in Jaunpur, has a criminal history that includes charges of robbery and violent crimes. Seth hails from Danaganj village in Varanasi. The STF’s operation led to the recovery of ₹20 lakh in cash, 12 diamond rings, a gold ring, a diamond necklace, two mobile phones, and a Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle, which authorities believe was purchased with the proceeds from the robbery.
The Heist: A Detailed Account
On the day of the robbery, six armed assailants stormed the jewellery shop, assaulting both staff and customers. The gang managed to escape with approximately five to six kilograms of gold and various diamond ornaments. The incident was not only shocking due to its audacity but also highlighted the growing trend of organized crime in the region.
Following the robbery, a case was registered at the Dankuni police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act. The investigation revealed that the criminals were part of a larger network operating across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, prompting the Chandannagar police commissioner to seek assistance from the Uttar Pradesh STF.
Investigation and Intelligence Sharing
The collaboration between the West Bengal police and the Uttar Pradesh STF proved crucial. The Chandannagar police provided CCTV footage and intelligence reports, which helped the STF identify Behda as a key suspect. The Varanasi unit of the STF conducted extensive surveillance and gathered intelligence that led to the arrest of Behda and Seth.
According to STF officials, Behda had been living in a rented room near the Hyderabad Gate in Varanasi’s Lanka area. It was here that he connected with associates from Bihar, leading to the planning of the heist. On August 2, Behda traveled to Kolkata by bus, where he met with his accomplices. The following day, armed with weapons and two stolen motorcycles, the gang executed the robbery.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Investigations
After the heist, the gang abandoned the motorcycles and fled towards Ranchi in a sports utility vehicle. They later switched vehicles to reach Varanasi. The stolen jewellery was reportedly divided among the gang members, with portions sold to contacts in Varanasi and Jaunpur for substantial sums.
The STF has indicated that further investigations are underway, with efforts focused on apprehending the remaining members of the gang who are still at large. The two arrested individuals are currently being held at the Kerakat police station in Jaunpur, and the West Bengal Police is expected to take them into custody for further questioning.
Contextualizing the Crime Wave
This incident is part of a broader pattern of organized crime that has been increasingly prevalent in India, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The rise in such crimes can be attributed to various factors, including socio-economic disparities, lack of employment opportunities, and the proliferation of criminal networks that exploit these vulnerabilities.
Historically, the region has seen its share of notorious gangs and criminal syndicates, often involved in high-stakes robberies and violent crimes. The collaboration between state police forces, as demonstrated in this case, is essential for tackling such organized crime effectively.
Conclusion
The arrest of Behda and Seth marks a significant step in addressing the alarming trend of jewellery heists in India. As law enforcement agencies continue to collaborate and share intelligence, there is hope for a more coordinated approach to combat organized crime. The ongoing investigations will likely shed more light on the intricate web of criminal activities that span across state lines, emphasizing the need for a unified response to ensure public safety and security.
