THEFT AT A JEWELRY SHOP

THEFT AT A JEWELRY SHOP

1-NOV-ENG 4

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------Unidentified thieves targeted a jewelry and utensil shop in the market near Banahi Station, located within the jurisdiction of the Bihiya police station in Bhojpur district. The thieves gained entry into 'Ashish Jewelers and Utensil Store' by cutting and breaking the shop's shutter. They then fled with gold and silver jewelry, brass utensils, and cash that had been kept in the shop.

The shop owner discovered the theft on Saturday morning. The incident caused a stir in the area. Upon receiving the information, a police team arrived at the scene and initiated an investigation.

According to reports, 'Ashish Jewelers and Utensil Store,' located on the Osain-Banahi road, is owned by Raju Soni—son of Kedar Soni, a resident of Saheb Tola in Bihiya town. On Friday night, Raju Soni had closed the shop as usual and returned home.

Upon learning of the theft on Saturday morning, he arrived at the shop to find the shutter broken. Inside, he discovered that jewelry and other items kept in cupboards were missing. The thieves had also taken away brass utensils.

It is reported that after committing the theft, the thieves discarded the jewelry containers in a paddy field a short distance away, suggesting they likely emptied the containers before fleeing. Following the incident, a crowd of local residents gathered around the shop.

The shop owner, Raju Soni, stated that the thieves made off with approximately 1.25 kilograms of silver, 13 grams of gold—including earrings, lockets, and a *mangalsutra*—as well as 20,000 rupees in cash. Additionally, brass utensils and various other items were stolen.

The total value of the stolen goods is currently being assessed. According to the shopkeeper, he has suffered significant losses, as the stolen items include not only jewelry and cash but also utensils.

Upon receiving information about the incident, police teams from the Bihiya and Shahpur police stations, along with a 'Dial 112' emergency response team, arrived at the scene. Police officers inspected the shop and the surrounding area.

During the investigation, the police collected evidence from the crime scene. Footage from nearby CCTV cameras has also been examined, and the police are currently working to identify suspects based on this footage.

Vipin Bihari, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Bihiya, stated that a police team reached the site immediately after being informed of the theft. Information regarding the incident was gathered from the shopkeeper, and it has been determined that the theft occurred during the night.

According to the SHO, a formal written complaint has not yet been received from the shopkeeper. Once a written application is submitted, an FIR will be registered, and further legal action will be taken. The police are actively investigating to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

At present, the police are attempting to track down the thieves by analyzing CCTV footage and other leads. An official assessment of the stolen items and the total loss is expected once a formal written complaint is filed.