Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh: Police in Raebareli have dismantled an inter-district gang accused of targeting jewellery shops, arresting five suspects after a late-night encounter. During the operation, two of the accused sustained bullet injuries to their legs in retaliatory police firing, while three others were apprehended at the scene. Officers also recovered 12.4 kilograms of stolen silver jewellery, illegal firearms, and a car allegedly used in the crimes.
The arrests stem from a burglary reported on the night of August 3–4, 2026, when thieves broke into five jewellery stores near Takiya Chauraha in the Mil Area police station limits and fled with silver ornaments and other valuables. A case was registered based on a complaint filed by jeweller Shubham Maurya under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Acting on the directions of Superintendent of Police Ravi Kumar, a joint investigation team comprising the Special Operations Group (SOG), the surveillance unit and the Mil Area police launched an intensive probe. During the night of August 6–7, police received intelligence that members of the gang had gathered near the Sharda Canal bridge at Loniyan Ka Purwa to divide the stolen property and plan another burglary.
As police surrounded the location, the suspects allegedly opened fire in an attempt to escape. Officers returned fire, injuring two accused identified as Shiv Kumar and Bablu, who were later admitted to the district hospital for treatment. The remaining three suspects—Rakesh alias Chhote, Lav Kush and Sagar Verma—were arrested without injury.
According to investigators, all five accused are residents of Sitapur district, while Rakesh is also reported to have an address in Lakhimpur Kheri. Police said Sagar Verma works as a goldsmith and is suspected of helping the gang dispose of stolen jewellery.
During the operation, police recovered 12.4 kilograms of silver ornaments, including 4.46 kilograms linked to a separate jewellery theft in Amethi’s Mohanganj area, while the remaining items are believed to have been stolen from the Raebareli burglary. Officers also seized two illegal .315-bore country-made pistols, live and spent cartridges, and a Swift Dzire car (registration number UP32NV1225) allegedly used to carry out the thefts.
Investigators said the gang operated in a highly organised manner. Members reportedly travelled in four-wheel vehicles during the night, conducted detailed reconnaissance of jewellery shops, and used iron rods, crowbars and other burglary tools to break into the establishments before fleeing quickly with the stolen valuables.
A separate criminal case has also been registered in connection with the alleged attack on the police team and the recovery of illegal firearms. Authorities have initiated further legal proceedings and are preparing to produce the accused before the court.
Police records reveal that two of the arrested men—Rakesh alias Chhote and Shiv Kumar—already face multiple criminal cases, including attempted murder, robbery, theft and illegal possession of firearms, registered across districts such as Sitapur, Hardoi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Amethi and Raebareli.
Officials said investigations are continuing to determine whether the gang was involved in other unsolved jewellery thefts across the region and to identify any additional accomplices connected to the racket.