Patna, June 16 (IANS) The Bihar Police have claimed a breakthrough in the Rs 45 lakh jewellery shop robbery case in Gurua Bazar after arresting two criminals during an early-hour encounter in the Amas police station area of Gaya district on Tuesday.

Police officials said looted gold jewellery was also recovered on the basis of information provided by the accused, while raids are continuing to trace other absconding members of the gang.

According to police, the robbery suspects were being actively tracked after the loot incident on May 22 at a jewellery shop in Gurua Bazar.

During the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, investigators reportedly received intelligence inputs that the accused were preparing to commit another crime.

Acting on the information, a special police team set up a cordon near Banahi sand ghat under the jurisdiction of Amas police station around 1 a.m.

Officials stated that when the suspects were surrounded and asked to surrender, they allegedly opened fire on the police team and attempted to escape.

Police then retaliated, leading to an exchange of fire.

The arrested accused include Sujit Chaudhary, described by police as the prime accused in the robbery case, along with one of his alleged associates.

Police said Sujit Chaudhary sustained three bullet injuries to his leg, while the second accused suffered a gunshot wound to the leg during the encounter.

Both injured men were shifted under police security to Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

During interrogation at the hospital, police claimed the accused confessed to involvement in the Gurua jewellery shop robbery.

Based on information provided by the accused, investigators recovered looted gold ornaments allegedly stolen during the robbery.

However, officials have not yet publicly disclosed the exact quantity or valuation of the recovered jewellery.

Police described the recovery as a major success in the investigation and stated that efforts are underway to identify and arrest all members of the gang.

According to investigators, a total of five criminals were allegedly involved in the robbery.

During the encounter, three other suspects reportedly escaped under the cover of darkness.

Police teams are currently conducting raids at multiple suspected hideouts to apprehend the remaining accused.

The Gaya Police said the operation reflects its ongoing campaign against robbery, dacoity, and organised criminal activities in the district.

–IANS

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