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Dharamshala, July 8
The Kangra Police have solved a high-profile burglary involving valuables worth nearly Rs 70 lakh in Dharamshala, recovering around 50 tolas of gold and 1.2 kilograms of silver while arresting two accused, Superintendent of Police Kulbhushan Verma said on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference, SP Verma said the case was registered at Dharamshala Police Station on June 29 following a complaint by Dr Anjali Chauhan. According to the complaint, nearly 3 kg of silver, several gold ornaments, 3 mangalsutras, gold earrings, cash, and a CCTV DVR were stolen from her residence.
Considering the seriousness of the case, a special investigation team led by the Station House Officer of Dharamshala Police Station was constituted. The police examined CCTV footage from nearby locations, analyzed technical evidence, and collected physical clues to identify the suspects. Following sustained investigation, the police arrested Chandan, a resident of Gaggal, and Anju, wife of Ramesh Kumar. During interrogation, both allegedly confessed to their involvement in the burglary.
SP Verma said Chandan had sold around 15 tolas of stolen gold ornaments to a jeweller in Hamirpur. Police recovered the melted gold from the jeweller’s shop and included the concerned person in the investigation. Based on information provided by Anju, police also recovered around 35 tolas of gold ornaments hidden in bushes near Gaggal Bridge. The investigation revealed that the accused had earlier visited the locality under the pretext of collecting scrap material and had surveyed the house before committing the theft. They allegedly carried out the burglary while the homeowners were away attending a wedding function.
The police also recovered the stolen CCTV DVR, which the accused had allegedly thrown into a stream in the Fatehpur area after the theft. Although the device was found damaged, it has been sent for forensic examination. SP Verma said the breakthrough in the case was made possible through analysis of CCTV footage from neighbouring houses. He further said the main accused, Chandan, has 11 previous criminal cases of theft registered against him. Both accused remain in police custody, and investigators are examining whether more people were involved in the crime.
Appealing to the public, SP Verma advised residents to use bank lockers to store valuables, install internet-connected CCTV cameras, inform trusted neighbors or the local police before leaving homes unattended for extended periods, and avoid sharing travel plans on social media. He also urged market associations to deploy night security guards.
The SP added that, following directions from the district administration, registration and police verification of tenants and migrant workers from outside the state have been made mandatory. Police station heads have been instructed to maintain proper records and complete verification in their respective jurisdictions.
