India
25 kg gold stolen from Tanishq showroom in Madurai 15 days after opening
Three masked burglars broke into a newly opened Tanishq showroom in Madurai and stole around 30 per cent of its gold stock
Masked burglars broke into a newly opened Tanishq jewellery showroom in Madurai and fled with gold ornaments worth several crores of rupees, news agency Press Trust of India reported, quoting police officials.While the police have not yet confirmed the exact value of the stolen jewellery, local media reports estimated that around 20-25 kg of gold, worth more than Rs 30 crore, may have been stolen. Some reports have put the estimated value significantly higher.
However, neither the police nor the showroom management has confirmed these figures so far.The theft came to light on Thursday morning when employees arrived to open the showroom on Madurai Bypass Road. The outlet had been inaugurated just 15 days ago, ahead of Diwali.Preliminary investigations suggest that the burglars gained entry by breaking through the rear wall and doors of the showroom.
Madurai City Commissioner of Police S Rajendran inspected the crime scene along with Deputy Commissioners of Police AG Inigo Divyan and S Vanitha. Rajendran said CCTV footage indicated that three people were involved in the burglary."Three persons broke the wall and door to enter the shop.
About 30 per cent of the total goods in the shop has been stolen. An investigation is underway to determine the exact value of the stolen jewellery," he told reporters, according to PTI.
Sniffer dogs were deployed at the scene, while investigators began examining CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to identify and trace the suspects.Divyan said the burglars had taken only jewellery displayed in the showroom, leaving ornaments stored in lockers untouched. He added that the exact value of the stolen gold would be established only after the showroom management filed a formal complaint."We cannot state anything based on assumptions right now," he said.Police have formed special investigation teams under three Assistant Commissioners of Police.
Each team comprises three inspectors. The teams are examining CCTV footage and gathering evidence to identify the three suspects and establish the exact quantity and value of the stolen jewellery.- Ends