CaratLane heist: 7 steal 450 ornaments worth Rs 2 cr from jewellery store in 10 minutes | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: Seven masked burglars broke into a CaratLane jewellery showroom in Medipally in the early hours of Monday and fled with 450 ornaments worth at least Rs 2 crore in just five to 10 minutes, police said.According to Medipally police, the gang arrived near the showroom around 4 am and loitered for some time, apparently watching traffic and movements around the store. While some members sat on the stairs leading to the showroom, others stood on the road keeping watch.Police said the group then moved towards the showroom. Using a rod, the burglars partially lifted the shutter and broke the lock on the glass door. One member entered the showroom while the others remained outside as lookouts.All seven had covered their faces and were wearing gloves, police said. The intruders also snapped the wire connected to the alarm bell. They used a long piece of cloth to block the view from outside while the burglary was underway.“The intruder targeted only the ornaments kept for display along one side of the counters. He broke four panels and stole 450 ornaments,” police officials said.The stolen stock, weighing around 1.4 kg, comprised gold and diamond ornaments in 9K, 14K and 18K categories. The showroom had nearly 2,000 ornaments at the time of the burglary, officials said.Police estimated the value of the stolen property at Rs 45 lakh, but the actual value of the ornaments is believed to be at least Rs 2 crore.After the intruder came out, the seven suspects split into groups and began walking away from the area, police said. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from nearby locations to trace their movements. Police suspect the gang used a waiting vehicle to escape.Based on the modus operandi, police suspect the accused may be from Rajasthan. Further investigation is underway.