Bhilwara: A burglary at a mobile phone shop in Rajasthan's Bhilwara district has drawn attention after CCTV footage allegedly captured one of the suspects wearing a mask resembling Prime Minister Narendra Modi while carrying out the theft.
The incident occurred late on Monday night at Mateshwari Mobile Shop near the bus stand in Kareda town.
Thieves flee with smartphones worth Rs 4-5 lakh
According to shop owner Laxman Sen, the burglars entered the shop through the rooftop after breaking the lock on the staircase gate. They allegedly escaped with around 35 to 40 smartphones valued at approximately Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
The theft came to light on Tuesday morning when Sen opened the shop and found it ransacked. Several mobile phone boxes were empty, while goods were strewn across the floor.
CCTV footage provides crucial clue
After receiving the complaint, Kareda Police inspected the shop and examined CCTV footage from the premises.
During the review, investigators noticed one of the suspects wearing a mask resembling Prime Minister Narendra Modi, apparently in an attempt to hide his identity while committing the burglary.
Police are also investigating whether the same group was involved in an attempted break-in at another mobile phone store, Sanwariya Mobile, near Beej Godam Chowk on the same night.
According to officials, CCTV footage from that location reportedly shows the same masked individual attempting to break the shop's shutter lock before fleeing.
Police begin search for accused
Following the incident, local traders and residents expressed concern over the security of commercial establishments, particularly in busy market areas. Shopkeepers have urged police to increase night patrols to deter such crimes.
According to the Free Press Journal reports, Police have registered a case based on the complaint lodged by the shop owner and launched an investigation. Officials are analysing CCTV footage and other evidence to identify and trace the suspects.