Rs 82-Lakh Robbery, 3 Arrests: Telangana Police Busts Interstate Gang

Police said the crime involved a highly organised interstate gang with links across Telangana, Maharashtra, Bihar, Karnataka and West Bengal. Subodh Singh, popularly known as the 'Golden Thief' from Bihar, was identified as the mastermind. A total of 13 persons were found to be directly or indirectly involved; five actively participated, and three of the accused have been formally arrested so far, with efforts continuing to trace the remaining suspects. The conspiracy is alleged to have been hatched from inside Purnea Central Jail in Bihar, where Singh reportedly explained the plan to associates who visited him in prison. After the theft, the gang used interstate networks to evade capture and carried out the offence as instructed. Karimnagar police announced cash rewards of Rs 10,000 for officers who played key roles in solving the case. Investigations continue, including probes into possible links to similar jewellery thefts.

Special police teams from Karimnagar conducted coordinated operations across multiple states and apprehended the accused near Hyderabad on May 13, as part of the ongoing investigation into the PMJ Jewellers theft. The gang is believed to have fled to Bihar and West Bengal after the theft.

In the early hours of May 3, unidentified thieves broke into PMJ Jewellers in Karimnagar town and escaped with large quantities of gold and silver ornaments. Police recovered around 161.4 tulas of gold ornaments and nearly 112 kilograms of silver articles, collectively valued at approximately Rs 82.02 lakh. Pistols, vehicles and other materials allegedly used during the robbery were seized.