Patna: Armed robbers allegedly looted a jewellery shop in the Bhagwanganj police station area of Patna on early Monday after holding a family hostage at gunpoint. The criminals escaped with gold and silver jewellery, a motorcycle and two cellphones.According to police, eight to 10 masked men entered the house-cum-jewellery shop of Deepak Swarnkar through the rooftop around 1.30am in Bhagwanganj Main Market. After receiving information, police teams rushed to the spot. City SP (East) Shaileja inspected the crime spot and directed officials to take immediate action.Masaurhi sub-divisional police officer (SDPO-I) Raghav Dayal said police recovered the stolen motorcycle from the Kalpa police station area in Jehanabad district within hours of the robbery. Efforts are underway to trace the remaining stolen property and arrest the accused, he added.“Police are scanning CCTV footage from the crime spot and nearby areas. All the accused had covered their faces with masks and gamchas. Some were armed with firearms, while others carried cutters and tools used to break locks. Raids are being conducted based on technical inputs and human intelligence to identify and apprehend the criminals. Further investigation is underway,” the SDPO said.According to the family, the robbers climbed onto the roof using a ladder from the rear side of the house before entering the premises. They allegedly held family members hostage at gunpoint and demanded the keys to the shop’s safe. The criminals then forced Deepak downstairs and made him open the safe.Deepak told police that the gang looted around 200-250 grams of gold jewellery and nearly 15 kilograms of silver ornaments. They also took away jewellery worn by women in the family and ornaments kept in a cupboard. Before fleeing, the robbers allegedly snatched Deepak’s motorcycle and cellphone.
