Robbers break into locked house in Ahmedabad’s Ambawadi, steal jewellery, cash and CCTV DVR
Ahmedabad: An ophthalmologist’s residence in the Manekbaug Society area of Ambawadi was looted by burglars who decamped with valuables worth an estimated Rs 1.47 crore while the doctor and his family were on a trip to Dubai, police said on Friday.
According to initial details, the stolen property includes diamond-studded gold necklaces, bracelets, bangles and rings, along with gold coins and biscuits weighing over 200 tolas. The burglars also took silver ornaments weighing around 700 grams and cash amounting to Rs 45 lakh. The CCTV digital video recorder (DVR) installed in the house was also stolen.
The incident took place while the house remained locked for several days. The ophthalmologist, who runs an eye hospital in the Maninagar area, had left for Dubai with his wife and son early Monday morning, leaving the premises unattended.
Before leaving, the family had secured their gold and silver jewellery and cash in iron safes and concealed lockers located in the first-floor bedrooms. The keys to these lockers were reportedly stored separately in another unused locker to enhance security.
As per reports, the theft came to light early Friday morning at around 6 am when the family returned home. On entering the house, the doctor noticed a bag lying open on the sofa with important documents scattered around, raising suspicion of a break-in.
When the doctor attempted to check the CCTV footage, he found that the DVR was missing. This confirmed that the burglars had deliberately removed surveillance evidence while fleeing the scene.
Further inspection revealed that the miscreants had gained entry by breaking the stopper of a wooden window near the main door and tampering with the iron grille. Inside the house, cupboards and safes in the first-floor bedrooms were found broken open, with valuables missing.
The doctor immediately alerted the police control room following the discovery. Satellite police personnel reached the spot and conducted a preliminary inspection, while forensic teams were called in to collect evidence and examine the mode of operation.
A case has been registered in connection with the burglary, and police have launched an investigation to identify the culprits and trace the stolen valuables.
