LONAVALA: In a chilling midnight heist that has stunned the medical and local community alike, a gang of over 22 armed intruders stormed the bungalow of Dr. Hiralal Jagannath Khandelwal, a prominent physician, and his wife Vijaya Khandelwal, early Tuesday morning. The attackers assaulted and tied up the couple before fleeing with valuables worth ₹11.5 lakh, including cash and precious jewellery.
Details of the Attack
The armed gang, wielding swords, kukris, and wooden sticks, broke into the Om Shree Bungalow in Pradhan Park around 2:51 AM. They first subdued the bungalow’s watchman and his wife—Ambadas and Varsha Raybone—tying them up and gagging them at knifepoint. The gang then forced their way into the Khandelwals’ bedroom by smashing the iron gate and locks.
Once inside, the elderly couple were bound, gagged, and threatened with death if they raised an alarm. The assailants looted the house thoroughly, escaping with gold, silver, diamond jewellery, and cash, all totalling over ₹11.5 lakh, as per reports from Hindustan Times.
Repeat Target
This is the fourth robbery attempt on the Khandelwal residence in the past four years—two of which were successful. In a 2021 robbery, police had managed to arrest the culprits and recover the stolen items. The repeated attacks have raised questions about the security arrangements and police responsiveness in the area.
Police Response and Investigation
The police reportedly arrived within 10 minutes of being alerted by a relative of Dr. Khandelwal. However, locals have accused the police of delayed action, alleging that the robbers escaped in front of officers. Denying this, Senior Inspector Suhas Jagtap of Lonavala City Police stated:
“Our team responded quickly. The suspects took advantage of the dark and escaped into the nearby forest. We gave chase, but they scattered.”
An FIR has been registered under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) including Sections 310(2), 311, 331(6), 351(3), 127, along with Sections 4 and 25 of the Arms Act. Police are reviewing CCTV footage and gathering forensic evidence as part of their investigation.
Community in Shock
The incident has shaken both residents and the medical fraternity, with growing concern over safety and repeated criminal targeting. The fact that such a large, coordinated group could operate so boldly in a residential neighbourhood has raised alarms over law and order enforcement in Lonavala.
