Thieves broke into a manager's locked home in Tatibandh's Parthivi Pacific, making off with jewellery and cash worth ₹5.55 lakh while the family was away

Broad Daylight Strike

A brazen daytime burglary has rattled residents of Parthivi Pacific, a gated colony in Tatibandh, Raipur, after unidentified thieves broke into a locked flat and escaped with gold and silver jewellery along with cash — totalling nearly ₹5.55 lakh. The incident, which falls under the Amanaka police station limits, came to light on Thursday afternoon and has since triggered unease across several neighbouring residential complexes.

The targeted flat belongs to Swapneshwar Harichandhan, a manager employed at Godawari Power and Ispat Limited in Siltara. According to the complaint filed, his wife and children had left for their native village in Odisha for the summer holidays. Harichandhan locked his Daffodil Block residence in the morning before leaving for work — as he does on any ordinary day.

Returned to a Ransacked Home

Around 3 in the afternoon, when he came back, the main door was visibly forced open. Inside, the bedroom told a worse story. The Godrej almirah had been broken into, the locker pried open, and the contents cleared out. Whoever had entered knew exactly where to look.

Initial reports indicate the thieves worked quickly and left without drawing attention — a pattern, police note, that is increasingly common in organised residential burglaries.

What Was Taken

The list of stolen items, as reported by the victim to Amanaka police, includes gold rings, a mangalsutra, six pairs of earrings, a child's gold bangle, a locket, gold bangles, silver anklets, toe rings, a silver bowl and spoon set, silver coins, and ₹5,000 in cash. The combined value of the haul has been estimated at ₹5.55 lakh.

Footage Being Reviewed

Police reached the spot shortly after receiving the complaint. Teams are currently reviewing CCTV footage from cameras installed in and around the colony. According to officials, a case has been registered against unidentified accused and the investigation is underway. No arrests have been made so far.

Sources familiar with the matter said police are also speaking to local contacts and checking entry-exit movement from the colony during the afternoon window.

Fear Grips the Neighbourhood

The incident has left Parthivi Pacific and surrounding colonies unsettled. Residents, many of whom are working professionals with families frequently away, say the timing — midday, in a guarded complex — is what concerns them most.

Local residents have demanded increased police patrolling in the area and a review of the existing security arrangement at the colony gate. Several have raised the matter with the resident welfare association as well.

Amanaka police have assured that surveillance will be stepped up while the probe continues.

Raipur Jeweller Employee Steals Gold Worth Over ₹2 Crore

Employee Absconds with Jewellery Instead of Depositing in Locker

In a shocking case of internal theft, a long-time employee of a reputed jewellery shop in Raipur's Sadar Bazaar allegedly stole gold ornaments valued at more than ₹2 crore. The incident has left the business owner stunned, as the accused had been working at the shop for 16 years and was entrusted with daily closing responsibilities.

Police have registered a case of embezzlement against the employee, identified as Suraj Sahu, and are actively searching for him. CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, showing the employee carrying away the jewellery.

Trusted Employee Betrays Faith

The victim, businessman Suresh Bhansali, owns Manoharmal & Company, a well-known gold and silver trading shop in Sadar Bazaar under the Purani Basti police station limits. According to police, Sahu was responsible for displaying jewellery during the day and securing it in the locker before the shop closed.

On April 9, 2026, after the shop shut for the day around evening, Sahu reportedly took the ornaments with him instead of placing them in the locker. The theft went unnoticed initially due to his long association with the business.

Stock Discrepancy Triggers Probe

The matter came to light on April 13 during a routine stock matching exercise. A significant shortfall was detected—1495 grams and 670 milligrams of gold jewellery missing. Bhansali immediately questioned all staff members, but none provided any leads.

Suspicion grew after reviewing CCTV footage from the shop. The recording clearly showed Sahu at around 4:21 PM on April 9, collecting and taking away multiple pieces of gold jewellery of various designs.

CCTV Footage Exposes the Theft

The visuals, now with investigators, have become the primary evidence. Police sources said the stolen items include assorted gold ornaments whose market value is estimated at over ₹2 crore. The precise valuation is still being ascertained based on current gold rates and designs.

Kotwali Inspector Satish Singh confirmed that a formal complaint was lodged by the shop owner. A case has been registered, and teams have been dispatched to trace the accused, who is currently absconding. One suspect has been taken into custody for questioning, officials added.

Long Association Raises Questions

Sahu’s 16-year tenure at the shop has surprised both police and the business community. Colleagues described him as a familiar face who enjoyed the trust of the owner. This breach has prompted many local jewellers to review their internal security protocols, especially regarding staff responsibilities during closing hours.

Local traders in Sadar Bazaar expressed concern over rising incidents of theft in the jewellery sector. Just weeks earlier, another shop in the city, Lakshya Jewellers in Khamhardih, reported a similar late-night burglary involving gold and silver items worth around ₹1 crore.

Police Intensify Search

Investigating teams are checking possible hideouts of the accused and analysing technical evidence, including CCTV footage and call records. Inspector Singh stated that efforts are underway to recover the stolen gold and arrest Sahu at the earliest.

“Initial investigation points towards planned action. We are pursuing multiple leads,” a police officer familiar with the case said.

Authorities have appealed to the public for any information regarding Sahu’s whereabouts. Meanwhile, the shop owner has requested strict action and speedy recovery of the valuables.

Impact on Local Jewellery Trade

This incident comes at a time when gold prices remain high, making such thefts particularly lucrative yet damaging for businesses. For shop owners in busy markets like Sadar Bazaar, it highlights vulnerabilities in reliance on long-serving staff without additional safeguards.

Police investigations continue, and further details are expected in the coming days as teams track financial trails and possible buyers of the stolen jewellery.

The case has once again underscored the need for better surveillance, regular audits, and background checks even for trusted employees in the jewellery business.