JAISALMER: In a swift crackdown, police arrested four accused within hours of a daring daylight robbery in Bhatia Mohalla, where a businessman’s wife was held hostage and valuables worth around Rs 1 crore were looted.
According to police, the accused barged into the house, confined the woman in a room, tied her hands and feet, taped her mouth, and threatened her at knifepoint before fleeing with gold (around 50 tolas), silver jewellery, and cash.
Superintendent of Police Abhishek Shivhare said all four accused were nabbed within three hours during a district-wide naka-bandi (blockade), and the stolen jewellery and cash have been fully recovered.
Investigations revealed the crime was orchestrated by a domestic help employed at the house, identified as Meenu alias Binali, along with her live-in partner Deepak Dulagaj and their associates. Another woman is being questioned, and further probe is underway.
Police said they received an alert at Kotwali police station about the incident and immediately mobilised multiple teams. Senior officers, including SP Shivhare and Circle Officer Roopsingh Inda, visited the scene, while checkposts were set up across key routes in and around the district to intercept the suspects.
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team also examined the crime scene as part of the investigation.
The complainant, Damyanti Bhatia (56), told police she was upstairs around noon when she heard noises from below. On checking, she was overpowered, dragged into a room, restrained, and threatened while the accused looted valuables.
She also said the assailants removed her spectacles before fleeing to prevent her from identifying them. After they left, she managed to crawl to the door and call for help. Neighbours rushed in and freed her.
During the naka-bandi, police from Lathi police station apprehended the accused along with the stolen property. Three were arrested on the spot, while Deepak was later caught separately with his share of the loot.
Police said the accused have prior criminal records, which are being verified. Further investigation is ongoing.
