‘Shutter Tod’ burglars gang has network in 18 states

Rajkot: Nine days after the sensational burglary of 102 expensive watches from a showroom, the Rajkot police made the first arrest by nabbing one member of gang near Nepal border in Bihar.
The gang has gained notoreity as ‘Shutter Tod' gang as they open the shutters of showrooms selling various products of high-end brands and make way with the booty.
Deputy commissioner of police, Dr Parthrajsinh Gohil said several teams were dispatched to Ahmedabad, Rajasthan, Bihar and Delhi immediately after the burglary in the showroom at Trikon Baug on April 16.
"We got information about this gang and that a member was spotted near Nepal border. Our cops dressed up as locals and caught the suspect Rakesh Pandit (23) who confessed to the burglary," Gohil said.
A total of 21 out of the 102 stolen watches worth Rs 6.29 lakh of various brands were recovered from him. Pandit was a native of Champaran district in Bihar. Police identified other burglars as Govind Chaudhary, Sriram Sah, Jitendra Sah and Bindeshwari Sah, all residents of Bihar.
Investigation revealed that the gang has a network in 18 states.
Explaining their modus operandi, Gohil said they targeted showrooms of leading brands and struck between 3am and 5am. One person entered the showroom by raising the shutter using a jack-like instrument while others kept a vigil outside. "On getting a whiff of police being on their trail, the gang members escaped to the Bihar-Nepal border," he added.
They referred to their kingin as ‘Sethji' or ‘Malik' who funded their trips and lodging to different states.
On April 16, the gang had used the same MO to steal from the showroom, which is located in the busy area and just about 100 m away from the A Division police station.