PANAJI: Six months after the daring robbery at the bungalow of an influential business family, the Panaji police finally made their first arrest -- an Uttar Pradesh native. However, the main accused and other gang members remain at large.
The accused is identified as Mahmmod Ali, a resident of Calangute and native of Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The accused, 46, has a criminal history with an attempted murder case registered against him.
The robbery, which took place in the early hours of April 20, saw three to five masked men armed with knives break into the couple’s bungalow at Dempo Vista after overpowering the security guard. The intruders tied up 77-year-old Jaiprakash Dempo and his 71-year-old wife, Padmini, ransacked the house, and escaped with cash and jewellery worth several lakhs.
Police said the robbers also removed the CCTV DVR, indicating a well-planned and professional operation.
North Goa Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta said the arrest comes after an extensive investigation and coordination between the district police and the Crime Branch. “Technical analysis helped identify the accused,” he said.
Investigations revealed that Ali had close links with the main accused and had assisted in identifying the target house, planning the offence, and providing shelter to the suspects before and after the crime.
Police added that the accused has a criminal history and was earlier arrested in a Vasco police case under sections related to attempt to murder, dacoity, and the Arms Act. He had also served time in Colvale Central Jail, where he came in contact with the main accused in the present case.
