Jashpur। Jashpur Police have achieved a major breakthrough in a high-value theft case reported from Gram Keradih, Rainidand, under Narayanpur police station limits. The police have so far arrested five accused and sent them to judicial custody, recovering stolen property worth approximately ₹51.82 lakh.
In a shocking revelation, the theft was not committed by outsiders but was allegedly planned and executed by the niece of the house owner, Minal Nikunj, along with her boyfriend and other accomplices. Lured by the desire for an iPhone and a luxurious lifestyle, the accused allegedly carried out the crime.
Cash and Gold Worth Lakhs Stolen
The case came to light on December 6, 2025, when complainant Sushma Nikunj lodged a report at Narayanpur police station. She stated that cash amounting to ₹15 lakh, along with gold biscuits and jewellery kept in a suitcase inside her old house at Keradih Rainidand, had been stolen. The total value of the stolen property was later assessed at over ₹51 lakh.
Birthday Parties, Luxury Car and Lavish Spending
Police investigation revealed that the accused initially stole smaller amounts, which were spent on purchasing an iPhone and partying. Encouraged by the absence of suspicion, they later stole the entire suitcase containing cash and gold. The accused celebrated birthdays at a villa in Raipur, hosted parties in Jashpur, and even purchased a Harrier car worth about ₹25 lakh using the stolen money.
Main Accused Arrested from Ranchi
After the crime, all the accused went into hiding. Acting on technical surveillance and informer inputs, Jashpur Police traced Minal Nikunj and her boyfriend Anil Pradhan to a hotel in Ranchi, Jharkhand, from where they were detained and brought back to Jashpur. Following interrogation and confession, both were arrested and remanded to jail.
Subsequently, other accused—Abhishek Indrawar, Lankeshwar Badaik and Alisha Bhagat—were also arrested on different dates.
Recovery of Stolen Property
Police have recovered the following items from the accused:
- One Harrier car
- ₹86,300 in cash
- Gold biscuits weighing 100g, 50g and 20g
- Gold mangalsutra and gold bangle
- One iPhone and four Android mobile phones
The total current value of the seized property is estimated at ₹51.82 lakh.
Search On for Other Absconding Accused
Police officials stated that some other accused involved in the case are still absconding. They have been identified, and search operations are underway to arrest them soon.
Senior Superintendent of Police Shashi Mohan Singh praised the police team for the successful operation and stated that strict action will continue against those involved in serious crimes.