Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: A daring late-night attempt by an eight-member gang to rob a jewellery shop at Chaudi was foiled after an alert goldsmith residing in the adjoining house raised an alarm in the early hours of Tuesday.
The incident occurred around 2.30 am when the family heard unusual sounds outside. Although nothing suspicious was initially seen through the window, minutes later the noise of the jewellery shop shutter being opened sent the family into panic. When they tried to step out, the goldsmith realised the main door had been tied from outside with a rope, trapping the entire family inside.
The inmates immediately called the police and also shouted for help. Two patrolling policemen rushed to the spot and spotted about eight individuals fleeing into the darkness. When the officers attempted to chase them, the culprits allegedly hurled stones, forcing the police to take cover as the gang escaped.
Police later helped the goldsmith’s family exit the house by untying the rope fastened to the door.
According to officials, the dacoits had arrived fully prepared. They had blackened all three CCTV cameras using black spray paint, and used an iron rod (paroi) and a pickaxe to break open the shop’s locks before lifting the shutter. The tools, along with a spray can and empty lunch boxes, were recovered from the site.
Additional police teams were deployed immediately and checks were carried out at the railway station, KTC bus stand, and other possible exit points. Polem checkpost was also alerted. However, despite the extensive search, the suspects could not be traced.
Fingerprint experts and a sniffer dog unit were requisitioned later in the morning, but sources said no concrete leads have emerged so far.
Canacona Police are continuing investigations into what is being described as a daring but unsuccessful dacoity attempt in the heart of Chaudi’s commercial hub.
