Police Arrest Five Suspects in Raebareli
Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh: Raebareli Police have busted an inter-district gang accused of targeting jewellery shops and arrested five suspects after a late-night encounter.
During the operation, police shot two suspects in the legs after they allegedly opened fire while trying to escape. Officers arrested three other suspects at the scene.
Police recovered 12.4 kilograms of stolen silver jewellery, illegal firearms, ammunition and a car that the suspects allegedly used during the thefts.
Gang Targeted Five Jewellery Shops
The arrests followed a burglary reported on the night of August 3–4, 2026. According to police, thieves broke into five jewellery shops near Takiya Chauraha within the Mil Area police station limits and escaped with silver ornaments and other valuables.
Jeweller Shubham Maurya filed a complaint, prompting police to register a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police Track Suspects Near Sharda Canal
Following directions from Superintendent of Police Ravi Kumar, the Special Operations Group (SOG), surveillance unit and Mil Area Police launched a joint investigation.
During the night of August 6–7, police received information that gang members had gathered near the Sharda Canal bridge at Loniyan Ka Purwa. Investigators said the suspects planned to divide the stolen property and prepare for another burglary.
When police surrounded the area, the suspects allegedly opened fire and tried to flee. Officers returned fire and injured two suspects, Shiv Kumar and Bablu, in their legs. Police later took them to the district hospital for treatment.
Officers arrested the other three suspects—Rakesh alias Chhote, Lav Kush and Sagar Verma—without injury.
Police Identify Gang Members
Investigators said all five suspects come from Sitapur district. Police also linked Rakesh to an address in Lakhimpur Kheri.
Police identified Sagar Verma as a goldsmith and suspect that he helped the gang dispose of stolen jewellery.
Police Recover Silver Jewellery and Weapons
During the operation, police recovered 12.4 kilograms of silver ornaments.
Investigators linked 4.46 kilograms of the recovered jewellery to another theft in Amethi’s Mohanganj area. Police believe the gang stole the remaining jewellery during the Raebareli burglary.
Officers also seized:
- Two illegal .315-bore country-made pistols
- Live and spent cartridges
- A Swift Dzire bearing registration number UP32NV1225
Police believe the gang used the vehicle to transport members and stolen property during the thefts.
Gang Used Reconnaissance and Burglary Tools
Investigators said the gang operated in an organised manner. Members allegedly travelled in four-wheelers at night and studied jewellery shops before targeting them.
Police said the suspects used iron rods, crowbars and other burglary tools to break into the shops. They then quickly escaped with the stolen valuables.
Police Register More Cases
Police have registered a separate criminal case over the alleged attack on the police team and the recovery of illegal firearms.
Authorities have started further legal proceedings and will produce the arrested suspects before the court.
Two Suspects Have Criminal Records
Police records show that Rakesh alias Chhote and Shiv Kumar already face several criminal cases.
Authorities have linked the two men to cases involving attempted murder, robbery, theft and illegal possession of firearms across Sitapur, Hardoi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Amethi and Raebareli.
Investigation Continues
Raebareli Police are continuing their investigation to determine whether the gang carried out other jewellery thefts across the region.
Investigators are also working to identify any additional accomplices who may have helped the gang plan or execute the alleged crimes.