The Ahmedabad Crime Branch achieved a significant breakthrough in the Rajkot silver heist by recovering a second consignment of stolen silver and apprehending a key suspect. The theft, which occurred on February 4, involved nearly 120 kg of silver taken from a trader’s premises in Rajkot. Following the incident, a state-wide investigation was launched, utilizing intelligence gathering and analysis of CCTV footage.
Late on Monday night, the authorities arrested Mangusinh Rathore from Ahmedabad’s Naroda area, leading to the discovery of 40 kg of silver at his residence, suspected to be part of the stolen haul. The recovered items comprised 30 kg of silver ornaments and 10 kg of silver in melted form. Additionally, a specialized furnace and tools allegedly used to modify the stolen silver were seized.
The seized items, including the silver and tools, have been forwarded for forensic examination to ascertain their connection to the theft. A Crime Branch official mentioned that the recovery of this consignment marks a significant breakthrough in the endeavor to track the stolen property. The suspect is undergoing intensive interrogation to uncover further evidence and identify potential accomplices.
Efforts are underway to retrieve the remaining stolen silver and dismantle the network responsible for the heist. Previously, another 40 kg of stolen silver was recovered in Mehsana, and an individual named Pradeep Prajapati was arrested for attempting to sell part of the stolen goods. The authorities are actively pursuing leads on the outstanding 40 kg of silver and another suspect, Mukesh Prajapati, identified through CCTV footage.
Police have deployed units in Surat and Vadodara to locate additional suspects and recover the remainder of the stolen property.
