Darbhanga police on Tuesday said they had cracked the armed robbery of a West Bengal-based bullion trader, arresting five people and recovering 56 silver bars weighing 62.040 kg, valued at approximately Rs 1,39,25,000. Senior Superintendent of Police Jagunath Reddy Jalareddy detailed the case at a press conference on November 10.

Source: Patna Press

According to police, the robbery took place on the night of November 7, between about 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., on the Shobhan-Ekmi road, a short distance before the AIIMS main gate in the Simri police station area. Five men on two motorcycles allegedly intercepted the trader's red, West Bengal-registered Duster car and looted a bag containing silver bars and cash, with firing reported during the robbery.

Source: RxTV Bharat

Driver allegedly tipped off the gang

Police allege the robbery was planned with the help of the trader's driver, Kaushik, who allegedly informed his associates about the businessman's arrival in Darbhanga and his movements. The plan was allegedly discussed at a restaurant in Rambag, and the recovered silver was found in two cars parked near the restaurant, Hindi reporting of the SSP's briefing said.

Source: Dastak7

The five arrested have been identified as Chhotu Kumar Yadav (29), Vishal Mahaseth alias Vicky (35), Dheeraj Soni, Santosh Kumar Sah (63) and Tejas Abhishek Chandra. Mahaseth is the general secretary of the BJP's Darbhanga city unit, Patna Press reported. Police have named 12 people in connection with the robbery in total, including the driver Kaushik, and said raids are under way to arrest the remaining accused.

Source: Patna Press

The investigation was led by SDPO Sadar-2 Shubhendu Kumar Suman after a tip-off reached the Simri station house officer on November 9, leading to the registration of Simri police station case No. 376/26. Police said the recovered metal was sealed in the presence of an FSL team. The case has been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 310(2), 311, 317(3), 336(3), 338, 61(2) and 109(1), along with section 27 of the Arms Act. All allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings, and the arrested men are accused, not convicted.

Source: RxTV Bharat