Rajkot: The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has achieved a major breakthrough in the sensational theft of 120 kilograms of silver from Rajkot’s Ranchhodnagar area. Officers intercepted a suspect in Mehsana and recovered 40 kilograms of the stolen bullion, marking the first significant recovery in a case that had initially stumped local investigators.

Acting on a specific tip-off, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch set a trap in Mehsana, where a suspect identified as Pradeep Prajapati was attempting to sell a portion of the stolen goods. He was caught red-handed with 40 kilograms of silver. Under intensive interrogation, Prajapati is being questioned regarding the location of the remaining 80 kilograms of silver and the whereabouts of his accomplices.

An Industry Insider The investigation has identified the mastermind of the heist as a man named Kamlesh, who remains at large. Kamlesh, who had worked in the Rajkot Soni Bazar (jewelry market) for many years, used his insider knowledge of the trade to orchestrate the crime.

According to the sources, Kamlesh provided the critical “tip” to the gang, informing them that a merchant had stored a massive quantity of silver at a friend’s residence in the Ranchhodnagar area.

A Calculated Heist Details of the operation revealed a high degree of planning:

• The Getaway: Approximately four suspects executed the theft using a Creta car.

• Deception: After the heist, the gang fitted the vehicle with fake number plates and roamed Rajkot throughout the night to evade detection.

• Coordination: The recovery follows a multi-agency effort involving Rajkot’s Joint CP, the Crime Branch DCP, and even local MLA Uday Kangad, who assisted the victimized merchant.

While Pradeep Prajapati is in custody, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch has deployed teams to Surat and Vadodara to track down the mastermind, Kamlesh. Authorities noted that the theft initially appeared suspicious to investigators, but the coordination of CCTV footage and human intelligence across the state eventually confirmed the burglary and led them to the suspects.

The primary focus of the Ahmedabad Crime Branch now remains the full recovery of the remaining silver and the arrest of Kamlesh and the other suspects involved in the getaway vehicle. DeshGujarat