Madurai: Police have arrested two people, including a social media influencer, in connection with the burglary at a newly inaugurated Tanishq showroom in Madurai, while the alleged prime accused remains on the run.
Suresh, the father of the main suspect Nishanth, and Meenakshi, an Instagram influencer described by police as a close associate of the wanted man, are the duo in custody.
Police have recovered around five kilo grams of jewellery from the two, according to reports on Saturday. Investigators are continuing to trace the remaining valuables and establish the exact quantity recovered.
Mobile phone surveillance leads to arrests
Investigators reportedly used mobile phone signal tracking to locate Suresh and Meenakshi.
Police suspect Nishanth's involvement in the burglary and have formed special teams to trace him. The Indian Express reported that nine teams were involved in the search operation.
The arrests followed an examination of CCTV footage from the showroom and surrounding areas. Investigators found recordings that allegedly showed the suspect visiting the outlet on three occasions before the theft.
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He was reportedly wearing different shirts during the visits but appeared with the same cap, which helped investigators identify a possible link between the recordings. Footage from the night of the burglary also showed a suspect leaving the area on a two-wheeler.
Jewellery stolen from display counters
The burglary took place at a newly opened Tanishq showroom on the Bypass Road in the Palanganatham area of Madurai. Employees discovered the theft on the morning of November 12, when they arrived to open the premises.
The stolen items were taken from the showroom's display counters, while jewellery stored in the high-security lockers was left untouched, according to the police investigation.
Initial reports put the quantity of stolen gold at around 20 kg. However, subsequent reports have cited different estimates, with the precise quantity and value still being established. Some reports have placed the estimated value of the stolen gold and diamond jewellery at around ₹21 crore.
Investigators examine entry route
Preliminary findings indicated that the suspect may have used an area where construction and maintenance work was still underway to enter the building.
Investigators initially suspected that access was gained through the lift shaft area, using the unfinished sections of the premises. The showroom had been inaugurated only days before the burglary, while some work in the building was continuing.
Police have been examining CCTV footage, collecting forensic evidence and questioning people who may have had access to the premises.
With two arrests made and a portion of the stolen jewellery recovered, the investigation is now focused on locating Nishanth and tracing the remaining valuables.
(With inputs from PTI)
