Patna: Two teenage girls have been arrested for allegedly attempting to rob a jewellery store in the Digha area of Patna after using an intoxicating spray to incapacitate the shopkeeper.
The incident occurred at a jewellery outlet near Kurji Bridge and triggered panic in the locality before police intervened and arrested both accused.
Police said the two girls entered the shop posing as customers and allegedly tried to execute a planned robbery by distracting the shop owner before spraying a substance believed to be intoxicating in nature. However, the attempt failed due to the shopkeeper's swift response.
Incident reported at jewellery store
The incident took place at Maa Vaishno Jewellers, where proprietor Rajesh Kumar was attending to customers on Friday.
According to investigators, the two accused entered the store and initially asked to see gold earrings. While Kumar was assisting another female customer, the girls allegedly sought to divert his attention by enquiring about rings and other jewellery items.
Police said that as the shopkeeper turned away momentarily, one of the girls allegedly sprayed an intoxicating substance on his face.
The spray reportedly caused irritation and breathing difficulties for both the shopkeeper and another customer who was present inside the store at the time.
Shopkeeper foils robbery attempt
Despite the sudden attack, Kumar reportedly acted quickly to prevent the accused from escaping with any valuables.
Police said he immediately secured the jewellery that had been displayed for customers and moved out from behind the counter. Realising that an attempt was being made to rob the store, he pulled down the shop shutter to block the exit.
During the commotion, the front glass panel of the jewellery shop sustained damage.
The disturbance attracted the attention of local residents and shopkeepers nearby, resulting in a crowd gathering outside the premises within minutes.
One accused caught, another escapes
Investigators said that amid the confusion, one of the girls managed to escape from the spot before police arrived.
However, the second accused was unable to flee and was apprehended inside the shop. Local residents detained her and handed her over to the Digha police team after officers reached the scene.
The detained girl was taken into custody and questioned regarding the incident and the identity of her accomplice.
Police arrest second suspect
Based on information obtained during interrogation, police launched a late-night operation to trace the second accused.
Officials conducted a raid and successfully apprehended the other girl, bringing both suspects into custody for further investigation.
Police said statements of the accused are being recorded and evidence from the scene is being examined to establish the sequence of events.
Financial difficulties cited as motive
Preliminary investigations revealed that both accused are Class 12 pass-outs and were reportedly studying at the same coaching institute.
Police said one of the girls is a resident of Kurji, while the other belongs to the Diyara region.
Investigators also found that one of the accused has a family background linked to an earlier criminal case involving her father.
During questioning, the girls reportedly cited financial hardship as the reason behind the attempted robbery. Police, however, are verifying their claims and examining whether other factors may have contributed to the incident.
Probe underway into possible links
Authorities are now investigating whether the duo acted on their own or had assistance from others.
Police are examining the source of the intoxicating spray used in the alleged crime and whether the accused received guidance or support from any organised criminal network.
Officials said further investigation is underway and additional details are expected to emerge after questioning and forensic examination of the evidence.
The prompt action of the shopkeeper and local residents prevented the robbery from succeeding, while the quick response by police led to the arrest of both accused within hours of the incident.