Armed robbers loot jewellery worth ₹2 cr in Khandwa market:7 attackers assault jeweller, flee firing shots; heist sparks panic amid fair crowd

A group of armed robbers carried out a daring heist on Friday evening in Punasa town of Khandwa district. Taking advantage of the heavy crowd at the weekly market and the Kalsan Mata fair, they attacked a jeweller, looted gold, silver and cash worth over Rs 2 crore, fired shots to escape, and left the trader seriously injured. Robbery during market rush The incident took place at Krishna Jewellers in Solanki Market. The area was crowded due to the weekly market and the ongoing fair. The shop owner was closing his shop when the attack happened. Gold, silver and cash looted According to the trader, the robbers looted: The total value of the looted jewellery is estimated to be more than Rs 2 crore. Seven attackers strike suddenly Shop owner Rakesh Soni was preparing to go home. He was carrying the jewellery in two bags. At that moment, seven miscreants suddenly attacked him. When Rakesh Soni resisted, the attackers assaulted him with sticks, stones and sharp weapons. They snatched both bags and fled. One of the accused was carrying a country-made pistol. Shots fired during escape After the robbery, the miscreants fled towards Dharaji Road. When shopkeepers and locals chased them, the attackers opened fire. This led to panic in the crowded market. Stampede in the market The sound of gunfire caused chaos. People rushed to save themselves. Shopkeepers pulled down shutters, and many people hid inside shops to avoid being hit. Rakesh Soni suffered serious injuries to his head, leg and private parts. He was first given treatment locally. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was referred to Sanawad Hospital. Doctors said the internal injuries were deep and he remains under observation. CCTV footage captures suspects CCTV cameras installed in the market area captured visuals of the miscreants running away after the robbery. Police are analysing the footage to identify the attackers. After receiving information, SP Manoj Rai and Rural ASP Rajesh Raghuvanshi reached the scene. They reviewed the situation and directed immediate action. Blockade and search operation underway Police have set up a blockade on Dharaji Road. Search operations are ongoing in nearby villages and forest areas. Vehicles are being checked thoroughly. A case has been registered under serious sections of law. Police said efforts have been intensified to identify and arrest all the accused involved in the robbery.