The West Zone police on Tuesday claimed to have solved one of the largest jewellery heists in Karachi’s history within 48 hours, arresting all six suspects and recovering the stolen valuables worth over Rs300 million.
West Zone police chief Irfan Baloch said the suspects had broken into Prince Jewellers in Iqbal Market on the night of February 13, allegedly cutting through the rear wall of the shop’s safe room using a cutter.
Complainant Ayub Khan said the burglars stole approximately 7,064g (around 606 tolas) of gold, along with silver and diamond jewellery, collectively valued at more than Rs300 million. FIR No. 41/26 was registered under sections 457, 380 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
On DIG Baloch’s orders, District West police chief Tariq Ilyas Mastoi formed a special team comprising War Room West staff, technical experts and the Pakistan Bazaar SHO to investigate the case. The team initiated technical surveillance, and questioned the shop’s employees and security guards.
During the investigation, employee Amir Alam, alias Aamir, was arrested. He was identified as the alleged mastermind, who had planned the burglary with the help of his accomplice Irfan Shahabuddin. Police said the suspects were arrested within 48 hours of the incident.
On the identification of the mastermind, police recovered all the stolen items from a hideout, along with the tools used in the crime. Besides Alam and Shahabuddin, police arrested Ali Ismail, Ghiyas Riaz (alias Mani), Nauman Umar (alias Umair) and Sunny Ramzan.
Police also seized modern cutting equipment, including a grinder, as well as a hammer, two pistols with ammunition, the motorbike used in the crime and 10 phones used by the suspects. The investigators said the burglary was planned nearly six months ago. Alam allegedly provided a duplicate key to Shahabuddin and marked the rear wall for cutting.
Police said Alam had given Irfan Rs70,000 to Rs80,000 to purchase a grinder from the Saddar Market that was later used to breach the wall. DIG Baloch said the suspects are being handed over to the investigation authorities for further legal proceedings.
