Robbers Stage Fake Accident to Steal Cash and Jewelry from Trader

In a late-night incident in Takalghat under MIDC Bori, two unidentified individuals completed a carefully planned fake accident to rob a bullion trader of cash and jewellery valued at ₹28.11 lakh. The criminals, who remain at large even after 24 hours, left the victim temporarily blinded by throwing chilli powder in his eyes before making their escape.

The targeted trader, Atul Sherekar (37), residing in Khapari Moreshwar and running a jewellery shop in Ramshiv Palace near the Primary Health Center in Takalghat for the past 15 years, fell victim to the plot. Around 9 pm, after closing his shop, Sherekar was on the way home in his car. However, a moped with registration MH31-DH-1009 hit his vehicle, causing the rider to fall.

Concerned for the rider, who identified himself as Shubham, Sherekar exited his car to offer assistance. Exploiting this moment of goodwill, another individual on a moped approached and threw chilli powder into Sherekar's eyes. Attempts to snatch his phone ensued, and after blinding him further with additional chilli powder, the assailants fled with a bag containing cash and jewellery on the second moped, leaving the first moped behind.

Despite Sherekar's attempt to pursue the thieves, impaired vision from the chilli powder led to his car falling into a roadside drain. Residents promptly informed rural police, who swiftly responded to the scene. Additional SP Sandip Pakhale, accompanied by senior officials, initiated a thorough investigation into the robbery.

The police have deployed five teams to examine CCTV footage and trace the escape route of the criminals. Additionally, technical evidence is being gathered to crack the case. The abandoned moped was reported stolen from Khamla one and a half months ago, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.

Sources within the police force have dismissed the possibility of an inside job, noting that Sherekar had been managing his shop alone for the past 15 years. However, the incident raises suspicions that someone may have been monitoring Sherekar's routine, given the precise timing and route knowledge exhibited by the perpetrators. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working diligently to apprehend the culprits and recover the stolen valuables.

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