Armed men posing as cops loot cash, gold from realtor’s house in broad daylight

Two armed men posing as policemen barged into the house of a realtor and looted ₹20 lakh in cash and nearly half a kilogram of gold ornaments in broad daylight at BEL Layout of Byadarahalli Police Station on Monday, February 16.

The incident occurred when 53-year-old Hombale Gowda was at home with his wife, Mangalamma and their two-and-a-half-year-old grandson.

According to the complaint, two men arrived at their home claiming to be policemen from Yelahanka. One of them was dressed in a sub-inspector’s uniform and carried a diary, while the other carried a bag resembling that used by crime branch personnel. Soon after gaining entry, they allegedly brandished a gun and a knife and threatened the couple.

The accused locked Mr. Gowda inside the house and tied both him and his wife with tape around their hands and legs. They then entered the bedroom and decamped with ₹20 lakh in cash and around half a kilogram of gold jewellery.

Mr. Gowda pleaded with the accused to spare his wife’s mangalya (sacred wedding chain), and the robbers reportedly left it behind. Before fleeing, they snatched the victims’ mobile phones and took away the CCTV DVR from the house to prevent identification. When he managed to escape. Mr. Gowda alerted the neighbours and notified the police.

Senior police officials visited the spot and conducted an inspection. A case has been registered at Byadarahalli Police Station.

The daring robbery, carried out by misusing a police uniform, has triggered serious concern. The police have launched a hunt for the accused.

Senior police officials urged the public to exercise caution with visitors, advising them to verify identities before allowing them into their homes.