Saharanpur: Police have cracked a high-value jewellery theft at a prominent diamond showroom on Delhi Road in Saharanpur, arresting five members of the same family and recovering diamonds, gold ornaments and cash collectively valued at around ₹3 crore. The theft, executed by a masked intruder who cut through a wall to gain entry, took place on the night of January 22 and triggered an intensive investigation involving multiple police units.
The targeted outlet was a diamond showroom operated under the CaratLane brand. Investigators said the gang had meticulously planned the burglary after conducting surveillance for nearly a month while posing as scrap dealers, allowing them to study the premises without raising suspicion.
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The arrests were made after coordinated raids by the local police, special task teams and surveillance units near a railway spur line. Those held have been identified as Irshad alias Kala, Dilshad, Salma, Seema and Kali. Police said all five are related and worked together to execute the crime, from reconnaissance to disposal planning.
Breach through wall, swift escape
According to the investigation, the main accused Irshad alias Kala entered the showroom by cutting through an external wall, wearing a mask to conceal his identity. The operation was timed to coincide with adverse weather conditions, which reduced street movement and visibility, helping the intruder avoid detection. Once inside, he targeted high-value diamond and gold inventory before fleeing the scene.
Officers said the method indicated professional planning rather than a spontaneous act. The intruder avoided triggering alarms for as long as possible and focused on compact, high-value items that could be transported quickly.
Recovery worth ₹3 crore
During searches, police recovered nine diamond necklaces, 67 bracelets, 17 mangalsutras, 32 pairs of earrings, two complete necklace sets, 18 pendants, three charms, 90 rings, 32 chains, 11 bangles, dozens of other gold ornaments, and ₹45,000 in cash. The total value of the recovered property has been assessed at approximately ₹3 crore.
Investigators said the recovery was near-complete and that the seized items were being formally identified and catalogued before being returned to the showroom through due legal process.
Mastermind with long criminal history
Police described Irshad alias Kala as a habitual offender, with 27 previous cases registered against him under theft, gangster-related provisions and the Arms Act. During questioning, he allegedly admitted to being a professional thief who specialised in high-value commercial targets.
Officials said the remaining family members assisted in various roles, including reconnaissance support and plans to move the stolen jewellery to other states for disposal. Their arrests, police believe, disrupted a wider chain that could have facilitated the laundering of stolen valuables across markets.
Surveillance leads and arrests
CCTV footage, technical surveillance and local intelligence played a key role in tracing the suspects. Movement patterns around the showroom during the weeks preceding the theft helped investigators identify the recce phase, while post-theft analysis of escape routes narrowed down the suspects’ location.
The breakthrough came when police tracked the group to a secluded area near the railway line, where they were taken into custody without resistance. Tools believed to have been used to breach the wall were also seized.
Charges and next steps
All five accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code related to theft, house-breaking and criminal conspiracy. Police said they are verifying whether the gang was involved in similar incidents elsewhere and examining possible links to interstate theft rings.
Authorities have also reviewed security protocols at jewellery outlets in the region, advising owners to strengthen structural safeguards, improve alarm systems and increase night-time surveillance.
With the recovery completed and the accused in custody, police said the case stands as a reminder that patient surveillance and coordinated operations can dismantle even carefully planned thefts. Further investigation is ongoing to ensure no accomplices or pending disposals remain.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
