A goldsmith, robbed of gold jewellery worth about Rs2 crore and assaulted by a three-member gang near Lalbagh West Gate on Wednesday, was the victim of a planned attack.
Preliminary investigations suggested that the gang was observing the movements of Rajesh Achar, the victim, and had been planning the robbery for more than 10 days.
“The case involves local robbers who seem to know Rajesh,” said joint commissioner of police (crime) Alok Kumar.
What proved disastrous for the 31-year-old goldsmith was that he tried helping one of the gang members who feigned vomitting.
The unsuspecting Rajesh went near the man to help him but was attacked by another gang member. The third miscreant too joined the assault as Rajesh sustained serious head injuries.
City police have launched a manhunt to nab the gang and sent three teams to Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. An officer, who is part of the investigating team, said that the culprits might have fled to Tamil Nadu. However, police are also running a manhunt in the city.
On Thursday, police interrogated about 10 robbers to collect clues on the gang behind the robbery. Based on the description by local residents, police have made the sketches of two gang members.
Police said that the victim sustained four injuries in his body. Stitches on his head were removed on Thursday. Rajesh is reported to be out of danger and is undergoing treatment at Bangalore Hospital.
He was attacked with machetes. The gang had left the lethal weapons on the spot.
Rajesh, a native of Andhra Pradesh, runs VVS Jewellery in the first floor of a building on RV Road near Lalbagh West Gate. He takes orders from various jewellers in the city.
Be wary during festivals
With festivals ahead, police have warned the public. Robberies and chain-snatchings are increasing in the city because of the increase in gold price.
Miscreants are aware that people buy gold jewellery for festival. It is better to avoid travelling alone while wearing jewellery,” said commissioner of city police BG Jyothi Prakash Mirji.
He said that police are on alert due to festivals and are keeping a watch on each and every street. “People should inform police if they find anyone to be suspicious in nature,” Mirji said.
