Varanasi: A daring robbery involving criminals posing as law enforcement personnel has come to light in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi. According to police, three men allegedly identified themselves as Crime Branch officers, intercepted employees associated with a jewellery business, and claimed they suspected narcotics were being transported in their bag. After questioning the victims, the suspects allegedly assaulted them, snatched a bag containing silver worth around ₹60 lakh, and fled on foot. Police have registered a case and formed special teams to trace the accused.
According to investigators, the incident occurred in the Govindpura area, where Hema Jewellers, owned by Vinay Soni, and another jewellery establishment operated by Shashi Kumar Verma are located. Police said Verma had sent his employee, Umakant Seth, along with other staff members, to collect a consignment of silver from Hema Jewellers. The robbery allegedly took place while they were returning with the consignment.
Police said the three suspects stopped the employees, introduced themselves as Crime Branch personnel, and insisted on inspecting the bag. They allegedly claimed to have received information that it contained narcotic substances and began questioning the employees. When the victims objected, the suspects reportedly assaulted them, seized the bag containing the silver, and escaped. The stolen silver is estimated to be worth approximately ₹60 lakh, according to the preliminary assessment.
Soon after receiving information about the robbery, police officers reached the scene and began an investigation. CCTV cameras installed in and around the locality have been examined, and investigators are analysing the footage to identify the suspects and reconstruct their movements before and after the crime. The employees involved have also been questioned in detail to establish the sequence of events and gather additional leads.
Police have constituted multiple teams to apprehend the accused. Investigators are analysing CCTV footage, technical evidence, possible escape routes, and local intelligence inputs to determine the identities of the suspects. Officials said surveillance and field inquiries have been intensified, and all available evidence is being examined to trace those involved.
Jewellery traders say that criminals are increasingly targeting silver consignments because of the sharp rise in silver prices over the past two years. While gold has traditionally been the primary target of robberies, silver jewellery, utensils, and religious artefacts have now become attractive targets due to their significantly higher market value. According to market estimates, silver prices have risen from around ₹78,600 per kilogram at the beginning of 2024 to nearly ₹2,23,200 per kilogram, substantially increasing the value of commercial consignments.
Security experts advise jewellery businesses transporting precious metals to adopt stricter safety protocols. Employees should verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from the police, Crime Branch, or any investigative agency before complying with inspection requests or handing over valuables. In case of any doubt, they should immediately contact the local police station or police control room for independent verification instead of relying solely on verbal claims or identity cards presented by unknown individuals.
The investigation is continuing, and police say sustained efforts are underway to identify and arrest the three suspects. Officials added that the analysis of CCTV footage, technical evidence, witness statements, and other investigative leads is expected to help solve the case and recover the stolen silver.
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.
