Hyderabad: Police have identified a gang from Uttar Pradesh as prime suspects in the high-profile jewellery heist at Sai Santoshi Jewellers in Suryapet. Five suspects allegedly rented two rooms in a dilapidated house near Nirmala Matha Church under the pretext of starting a fast-food business two months ago.
According to preliminary investigation, the gang conducted a detailed recce of the area, striking up conversations with security guards at nearby shops. On the night of the theft, they bought water bottles and gutka from a grocery store adjacent to the jewellers. Local youth reportedly assisted them in securing the rental house.
Police traced the suspects using CCTV footage and inputs gathered from questioning one of the locals who helped the gang obtain the accommodation. The youth identified several suspects from video clips, leading investigators to believe the gang had inside help.
Suryapet SP R. Narsimha said five police teams have been formed to track down the culprits. Two of the teams have been dispatched to Uttar Pradesh.
The jeweller had recently shifted the main stock to a new showroom set to open next week, leaving some gold in a temporary locker at the old shop. Despite the shop being part of a six-storey complex, the burglars entered from an isolated rear area and broke through a bathroom wall to reach the vault.
Police suspect the heist was executed with detailed insider information.
