In a shocking daylight heist, six armed robbers stormed a Tanishq jewellery store in Bihar’s Arrah, making away with ornaments worth ₹25 crore. The criminals posed as customers before overpowering the security guards and holding the store staff hostage at gunpoint. The daring robbery, which occurred at Gopali Chowk, has raised serious concerns about law and order in the state.
How the Robbery Unfolded
The jewellery store opened its doors around 10 AM, and as per routine, staff members displayed ornaments from the vault. Around 10:30 AM, a group of six men arrived in a car and parked across the street. Security guards at the entrance allowed them inside in pairs, following store policy. However, as the last man entered, he brandished a gun, snatched the guard’s weapon, and overpowered him.
Once inside, the robbers forced the staff to a corner at gunpoint. Rohit Kumar Mishra, one of the employees, recounted the terrifying experience:
“I tried to hide behind the counter, but they found me and beat me. One of them even threatened to shoot me, saying I was acting like CID.”
Another staff member, Simran, quickly alerted the police, but reports suggest that law enforcement arrived only after the robbers had fled. The entire heist lasted approximately 17 minutes.
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What Was Stolen?
According to store manager Kumar Mrityunjay, the criminals looted a vast collection of gold and diamond jewellery, including chains, necklaces, bangles, and cash. The store had stocked significant inventory to meet the high demand of the ongoing wedding season.
The robbery has sparked criticism against the local administration, with the store owner blaming delayed police response for the loss. Two security guards were injured during the attack.
Police Chase Ends in Encounter & Arrests
Following the robbery, Bhojpur police launched a district-wide manhunt. They set up vehicle checkpoints and circulated CCTV images of the criminals. Late at night, police officers spotted six suspects on three motorcycles at one of the checkpoints.
Upon being asked to stop, the robbers attempted to flee, leading to a high-speed chase. The criminals opened fire at the police, who retaliated. In the exchange, two robbers sustained bullet injuries and were arrested, while the remaining four managed to escape.
Police recovered:
- Two pistols
- 10 bullets
- Two bags of stolen jewellery
- A Pulsar motorcycle
Raids are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Political Backlash: Opposition Targets Nitish Kumar
The robbery has ignited a political storm, with Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav attacking the Nitish Kumar-led government over Bihar’s law and order situation. Sharing CCTV footage of the robbery, Yadav sarcastically remarked that Bihar was now a “media-proven” and “RSS-certified Ram Rajya,” highlighting the rising crime rate.
“The Chief Minister is unconscious, and people should take care of themselves instead of expecting protection from the administration,” Yadav stated.
The incident has raised serious concerns about security in Bihar, especially as the robbery occurred near a police station and the residence of the Superintendent of Police.
With two suspects in custody and a significant portion of the stolen jewellery recovered, the police are intensifying their crackdown to bring the remaining culprits to justice. However, the brazen nature of the heist has left residents questioning the state’s security measures.
