Tk.2.35 Crore Stolen Gold Recovered in Chattogram; 6 Arrested

Police in Chattogram have recovered stolen gold bangles worth approximately Tk.2.35 crore and arrested six individuals in connection with a major theft in the city’s Panchlaish area.

The heist took place at New Kanak Bahar Jewellers in Mimi Super Market. According to investigators, the shop’s long-time salesman, Romain Dey (36) systematically replaced authentic gold bangles with imitation replicas.

The crime was uncovered on August 14 during a routine stock reconciliation. When staff alerted the owner, Biplob Basak, Romain realized his deception was exposed and fled the store on the pretext of using the washroom. An immediate inventory check revealed that 53 gold bangles were missing.

The owner filed a case at the Panchlaish Model Police Station the following day. Utilizing digital intelligence, police tracked and arrested Romain in the Faujdarhat Highway area of Sitakunda on August 18.

During a three-day remand, Romain confessed to pawning the stolen ornaments to various local jewellers and pawnbrokers. Based on his statement, police arrested Shyamal Singh (47), owner of 'Mordan Irani Jewellers' on August 19. Interrogating Shyamal triggered a series of targeted police raids across Kotwali, Baklia and Chawkbazar.

In total the authorities have arrested six suspects and recovered 55 gold bangles weighing 1,158.33 grams (over 99 bhori). The recovered gold is valued at roughly Tk.2.35 crore, suggesting the recovery included additional gold embezzled over time.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) officials confirmed that operations and investigations are ongoing to identify any other individuals or businesses involved in this illicit trading network.