The police investigation into the heist at Union Bank of India’s Palod village branch has revealed that the robbery was meticulously planned over six months. The accused conducted a detailed reconnaissance of the bank and its surroundings in August before executing the crime.
The gang chiseled a hole in the bank’s wall on December 17 to access the locker room, where they broke into six lockers. They stole valuables, including approximately ₹1 crore worth of jewelry and ₹9 lakh in cash. Before fleeing, they disabled the CCTV cameras and alarm system to cover their tracks.
Arrests Across Multiple States
Out of the eight individuals involved, the police have arrested all but the mastermind, Suraj Luhar. He remains at large, and authorities suspect he possesses the remaining stolen valuables.
- From New Delhi: Suraj Singh and Barkhu Bind were arrested in Nihal Vihar.
- From Bihar: Kundan Bind and Mamo Bind were apprehended in Munger district, while Badla Mahato was caught in Bhagalpur district.
- From Punjab: Jayprakash Bind was arrested in Bathinda.
- From Gujarat: Dipak Mahato and Yash, alias Monu Mahatma, were captured in Sayan near Surat.
Mastermind and Modus Operandi
Investigators discovered that Suraj Luhar and Dipak Mahato were friends. Luhar came to Surat in April for work and stayed in Sayan in August, where he scouted the bank and its surroundings for about 20 days. Upon returning to Bihar, he enlisted the other accused.
The gang used a goods van to approach the bank, which was later identified through CCTV footage. Further inquiries revealed that Dipak and Monu Mahatma had arranged the van for the operation. After their arrest, the duo provided crucial information that led to the capture of the other suspects.
The accused fled to Surat railway station in an autorickshaw, which was also traced by the police, providing more leads.
Loot Recovery and Ongoing Investigation
Police have recovered ₹46 lakh worth of gold and silver jewelry and ₹1.92 lakh in cash from the suspects. However, a significant portion of the stolen loot remains unaccounted for.
Hitesh Joysar, Superintendent of Police in Surat, said, “The accused had been planning this crime for six months. We suspect they might be involved in similar heists across the country and are coordinating with other states to investigate related cases.”
Challenges in Arrests
Three of the accused were apprehended from areas in Bihar affected by Naxalite activity, requiring police to conduct nighttime operations to ensure safety.
The investigation continues as authorities intensify efforts to locate Suraj Luhar and recover the remaining stolen valuables.
