Karimnagar: A suspected gang of armed robbers entered a jewellery showroom in Karimnagar pretending as customers before opening fire when employees resisted an attempted theft. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar said five persons were believed to be involved and expressed confidence that police would soon nab them.
The incident occurred at PMJ Jewellers in Jyothinagar, creating panic in the locality, On Sunday. Soon after receiving information, Bandi Sanjay reached the showroom along with Mayor Kolagani Srinivas and corporator Boyinipalli Praveen Kumar. He reviewed CCTV footage and spoke to employees to understand how the attack unfolded.
Speaking on this occasion, the Minister said preliminary inputs based on surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts suggested the crime was carefully planned. One suspect reportedly entered first and asked to see a 20-gram gold chain. Minutes later, two others arrived seeking to view ornaments. While staff were attending to them, two more men walked in, taking the group’s strength to five.
Police suspect the men then pulled out firearms and tried to loot jewellery. When the sales manager and other workers intervened, shots were fired inside the showroom. The sudden attack caused chaos as staff attempted to stop the gang.
Bandi Sanjay commended the courage shown by the employees, saying their resistance may have foiled a larger theft attempt. He said those injured in the firing were out of danger, but were being shifted to Hyderabad for better treatment.
He added that he had attended an official programme near the showroom barely 10 minutes before the incident. After the attack, The city police launched a citywide search operation, intensified vehicle checks and alerted field teams.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the store and surrounding areas linked to the command control centre to trace the suspects’ movements. A clues team inspected the scene and is gathering forensic evidence, while statements of the injured and other witnesses are being recorded.
Police believe the gang entered with the sole intention of robbery. During the commotion, one of the bags carried by the suspects was reportedly left behind, which may provide key evidence. The further details of the robbery has to be revealed after the complete inquiry.
