Surat - Early Sunday morning took a chilling turn for an employee of a Surat-based Angadiya firm, responsible for transporting diamonds worth crores of rupees for over 45 Mumbai diamond companies. The employee was held at gunpoint by robbers in the Sarthana area of Surat, who then fled with a bag full of diamonds.
After the alarming incident, the Angadiya firm's employee swiftly alerted the police. Officers from the crime branch and Sarthana police arrived on the scene promptly. The stolen bag was equipped with a GPS tracking system, allowing Surat Police to chase the robbers and collaborate with Valsad Police to apprehend them successfully.
GPS System Aids in Quick Capture
The Angadiya firm had wisely installed a GPS system in the bag containing the diamonds, facilitating the swift location tracking by law enforcement. The robbers were traced heading towards Mumbai on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Highway. Valsad Police then made the arrest near Vapi, successfully capturing the gang.
Heightened Highway Security Pays Off
South Gujarat Range IG V. Chandrashekhar's new policy, involving intensified highway police checks, also played a pivotal role. "Orders have been given to initiate special investigations at all toll booths and checkpoints on the highways of South Gujarat whenever there is information about a robbery," said Chandrashekhar. The police strategy paid off when Valsad LCB police caught five robbers near Udvada in what is described as a "filmy style."
Recovered and Seized Goods
Police recovered all the stolen diamonds, a pistol, and a country-made firearm with live cartridges. The recovered goods have been seized for further investigation. Valsad Police have handed over custody of the accused to Surat Crime Branch Police.
Commendations from State Home Minister
State Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi praised the coordinated effort, stating, "I congratulate the teams of Surat and Valsad Police for catching the criminals in just a few hours. All the stolen goods are safe and have been confiscated. Legal action will follow, and the parcels will be returned to their rightful owners soon."
Habitual Offenders
Preliminary information revealed that all five arrested robbers are habitual offenders. Four are from Mumbai and one from Nagpur, and they have a history of committing crimes such as robbery, dacoity, and theft. The Surat Crime Branch Police has taken custody of the accused and is gathering further information from Mumbai Police.
Dinesh Navadiya, a leading diamond industry industrialist, commented on the effectiveness of the GPS system and police alertness. "The quick and coordinated actions of the police have prevented what could have been a catastrophic loss for the diamond industry."
The incident serves as a significant reminder of the effectiveness of technological tools and vigilant law enforcement in combating crime.
