Sacked employee among 3 held for ₹8L robbery in Godadara

Times News Network

Surat: The detection of crime branch (DCB) arrested three persons, including a minor, in connection with the robbery of Rs 8 lakh belonging to a cosmetics firm in Godadara.

Among those arrested is a former employee of the company, who was aware of cash-handling timings and used that knowledge to execute the crime.

According to police, the accused, Jaydeep Kavad, who was fired from the company two months ago due performance issues, conspired with two others to carry out the robbery. Police said Kavad worked at Ramdev Traders and was familiar with its cash transfer schedule, which he allegedly exploited to plan the offence.

DCP (crime) Bhavesh Roziya said the incident occurred on Thursday morning when an employee of the firm, Pawan Saragara, was targeted just outside the office premises. "CCTV footage showed three persons with covered faces. They assaulted the employee with sticks and threatened him with a knife before looting the cash," Roziya said.

Police said the accused conducted a recce of the area for three days before the robbery. On the day of the incident, partner Ratan Mali handed over cash to Saragara for deposit at the firm when the attack took place. As Saragara reached the office and began unlocking the shutter, the accused arrived on a two-wheeler, assaulted him, and fled with the cash on the same vehicle.

Investigators said the motorcycle used in the crime belonged to one of the accused, Gopi Satiya, who was allegedly paid ₹40,000 for providing it for the offence. The third accused, a minor, was riding the getaway vehicle.

Police later traced the suspects through CCTV analysis and technical surveillance, leading to their arrest near the Kosamda-Valthan railway track.

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Bank robbery mastermind brought here from Patna jail

In a separate development, Varachha police arrested the alleged mastermind of the sensational Rs 50 lakh SBI bank robbery that took place on April 27 this year. The accused, Kundan Bhagat, was brought here from Beur Jail in Patna for interrogation.

Police said Bhagat allegedly plotted the bank robbery while lodged in jail by used a mobile phone inside the prison to coordinate with his associates. He is also accused of assembling a gang of individuals he had met during previous incarcerations.

Bhagat is a history-sheeter with involvement in several serious crimes, including a Rs 14 crore jewellery showroom heist in Dehradun, extortion, firing and armed robbery cases. He has also been booked by the NIA in a separate case, police said.