2 interstate burglary gang members held in Palanpur

Rajkot: Banaskantha police have arrested two alleged members of the notorious interstate Bagaria gang in connection with a daytime burglary in Palanpur city, recovering stolen cash and gold jewellery worth Rs 3.80 lakh from their possession.

The two accused have been identified as Rakesh Ghisalal and Sher Singh Bagria, both residents of Sikar district in Rajasthan.

The burglary was reported on May 18 at a residence in the Hanuman Hill area of Palanpur. Following the incident, police launched an intensive investigation and formed a special team comprising officials from the Local Crime Branch (LCB), Special Operations Group (SOG) and Palanpur City police.

Investigators examined footage from more than 100 CCTV cameras installed around the crime scene and surrounding areas. Technical surveillance and human intelligence inputs eventually led police to the Rajasthan-based Bagaria gang, known for operating across multiple states.

According to the preliminary investigation, the gang allegedly specialised in targeting locked houses during daytime hours when occupants were away. Police suspect the accused have links to theft cases reported in several states, including Delhi.

Two more alleged gang members — Ramesh Bagaria of Jhunjhunu district and Bhuvlal Bagria of Sikar district in Rajasthan — are currently absconding, and efforts are underway to track them down.