Notorious burglar arrested by Ahmedabad police manages to flee within 24 hours

In a major breakthrough, the Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Ahmedabad City, in coordination with the Satellite Police, cracked a high-value burglary case involving multiple districts and recovered stolen property worth ₹27.08 lakh. The arrest also helped solve three previously undetected house break-ins in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Anand.

However, the next day, when the accused was brought to Civil Hospital in Sola, he managed to flee. For the negligence, two police officials were suspended.

On the night of March 3, a burglary was reported from House No. 22, Vrindavan Bungalows, under the Satellite police station jurisdiction where ₹45.79 lakh worth of valuables were stolen. The accused had broken open the rear iron grill window and made away with gold, silver ornaments and cash from both the bedroom and the drawing room. An FIR was registered under BNS Sections.

Teams were formed from the LCB and the Satellite police surveillance squad to investigate the case. The teams meticulously analysed over 350 CCTV footages from across Ahmedabad, toll plazas, and Mehsana to trace the accused. Based on technical surveillance and human intelligence inputs, a suspect riding a grey Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle without a registration plate was identified. Investigations further revealed his movements between Mehsana, Vadodara and Anand.

After over six weeks of coordinated efforts, the teams tracked down and apprehended the suspect—Arjun Vinodsingh Kumarpal Rajput (27), a habitual offender originally from Vadodara and residing in Mehsana. He was arrested along with the stolen items while riding the same Pulsar motorcycle.

Seized items

• Gold ornaments: 5 rings, 4 bangles, 6 chains (total 280g) worth ₹25.20 lakh
• Silver jewellery: 124g valued at ₹65,000
• Cash: ₹3,270
• Mobile phones: 4 units worth ₹19,000
• Tools used for burglary: ₹1,500 
• Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle (GJ-06-NL-4575): worth ₹1 lakh

The total value of recovered property stands at ₹27.08lakh 

Cases solved

1. Satellite police station, Ahmedabad

2. Sayajiganj police station, Vadodara

3. Anand Town police station 

Modus operandi

The accused, often accompanied by his elder brother, would recce the area on an unnumbered two-wheeler or four-wheeler, park it at a distance, and break into homes through back windows. After spending hours in the vicinity, they would steal jewellery and valuables and later relocate to rented accommodation in another city to avoid suspicion. Police also suspect his links with the Chikhligar gang, a community with a history of involvement in traditional metalwork and, in some cases, theft.

Criminal background

Arjun Rajput has an extensive history of criminal activity, with over 40 previous cases registered against him across multiple police stations in Vadodara between 2014 and 2019. The offences range from house break-ins under IPC Sections 457, 380, and 114, to more serious charges including abduction and sexual assault under IPC Sections 363, 366, and 376.