CRPF jawan's ₹15 lakh jewellery stolen from bus in Rewa; CCTV captures dramatic dhaba heist
Digital Desk
The entire incident was captured on the bus's CCTV cameras. Police are now scanning the footage to track down the accused.
Namit Kumar Singh, a Bihar native currently serving as a constable in the CRPF, was travelling from Nagpur, Maharashtra, to Varanasi with his wife and children. The family was onboard Sanjay Travels bus number MH-40 CT-0151.
Around 6:08 AM on Monday, the bus stopped at a dhaba in the Garh police station jurisdiction. Most passengers alighted for tea and refreshments.
Child distracted during theft
According to the jawan's complaint, he stepped down with his wife and daughter, leaving his young son seated inside. That's when two suspicious youths entered the bus.
CCTV footage shows the duo first checking other bags and seats before zeroing in on Singh's belongings. One accused engaged the boy in conversation, diverting his attention, while his accomplice rummaged through the bag placed above the seat.
The thieves fled with approximately 9 tolas of gold jewellery and silver ornaments. Officials said the stolen items are valued at around ₹15 lakh.
Interestingly, cash kept inside the same bag was left untouched. The accused appeared solely focused on precious metals.
Singh told police that one of the accused asked the child to turn off the AC, a clever ploy to distract him while his partner carried out the theft.
CCTV footage provides crucial leads
The bus's surveillance cameras recorded the entire sequence. Visuals show the suspects conducting a recce around the vehicle before entering. One accused is even seen attempting to tamper with a camera, though his face was already captured.
Additional SP Sandeep Mishra confirmed that Garh police have registered a case and are investigating the footage to identify the accused. Technical analysis is underway, and multiple police teams have been formed.
"We are hopeful of nabbing the suspects soon based on available evidence," Mishra said.
The victim has announced a ₹21,000 reward for anyone providing information leading to the arrest of the accused. Singh has assured that the informant's identity will be kept confidential.
Security concerns on highway stretch
This incident has once again raised questions about passenger safety at dhabas and bus halts along this particular highway section between Mangawan and Katra, where similar targeting of travellers has been reported earlier.
Police said further investigations are ongoing.
