Rajasthan Police Apprehends Key Suspect in High-Profile Gold Heist
Arrest of the Fugitive
The Rajasthan police have once again demonstrated their efficiency by capturing a fugitive involved in a significant gold robbery. The suspect, Saurabh Soni, who had a bounty of ₹20,000 on his head, was apprehended in Jaipur. He had been evading law enforcement by frequently changing his hideouts. Thanks to the vigilance of a special team from Kota and the Jaipur police, he was finally caught. With this arrest, a total of 12 individuals linked to the case are now in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
Details of the Robbery
The robbery occurred on July 2, 2025, near the Simon Plaza close to the vegetable market in the Kathunipol police station area of Kota. Mahendra Kumar, an employee of Kamal Jewelers, was returning on a scooter after collecting approximately 900 grams of gold in the form of bangles and rings. He was intercepted by two assailants on motorcycles who threatened him with a knife, stealing both the gold and his scooter. The total value of the stolen items was estimated at around ₹90 lakh. Following the incident, police initiated an investigation using CCTV footage, technical surveillance, and informant tips.
Police Investigation and Initial Arrests
Within just 90 hours, the Kota police made significant progress in the case. They arrested ten main suspects and one juvenile, including the mastermind known as Nandu Shooter, along with Harshit Soni, Akash Vaishnav, Rajan, Vishnu Singh, Tarun Singh, Pradeep Kevat, Karan Mulani, Banwari Lal, and Shivkumar Soni. These arrests took place across various locations, including Bundi, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, and Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. Investigators discovered that the criminals had conducted surveillance on the employee prior to the robbery, indicating they were well-informed about his movements.
Saurabh Soni's Evasion Tactics
Since the incident, Saurabh Soni had been eluding the police. He severed all contact with his family and continuously changed his location. The special police team, through informant intelligence and persistent efforts, tracked him down to a rented accommodation on Goner Road in Jaipur. The Kota police, in collaboration with local authorities, conducted surveillance and successfully apprehended him while concealing their identities. City SP Tejaswini Gautam confirmed that a reward of ₹20,000 had been announced for his capture, which will now be awarded to the team.
Current Status of the Investigation
While some gold and other evidence have been recovered from the initially arrested suspects, the complete haul from the robbery remains undiscovered. Authorities are interrogating Saurabh Soni to locate the remaining stolen gold. The police suspect that this gang has a criminal background, with several members previously involved in other cases.
Official Statement
City SP Tejaswini Gautam remarked, "This success is a result of our team's relentless effort and technical investigation. We will not allow fugitives to hide anywhere. The cooperation from the Jaipur police was crucial in achieving this outcome."
Conclusion
This arrest serves as a significant blow to the criminals and showcases the capabilities of the Rajasthan police's crime branch. The focus now shifts to recovering the remaining stolen gold and identifying any potential accomplices. Ongoing investigations are expected to yield further revelations, instilling a sense of security among the city's residents.