In a major breakthrough in the high-profile jewellery heist that stunned Tamil Nadu's Madurai, city police have arrested social media influencer and YouTuber Meenakshi in connection with the daring theft of gold and diamond ornaments from a newly inaugurated Tanishq showroom. While the prime accused's father, Suresh, has also been picked up by investigators for questioning, the mastermind behind the brazen robbery, Nishant, remains on the run.Police have recovered around 5 kg of the stolen jewellery so far as part of the ongoing investigation.
Meenakshi enjoy a massive following on social media.The arrests come two days after the sensational burglary at the Tanishq showroom on Madurai Bypass Road came to light, with the stolen jewellery initially estimated to be worth several crores of rupees.11.465 KG GOLD, DIAMOND JEWELLERY STOLENThe theft was discovered on Thursday morning, November 12, when showroom employees arrived to open the outlet and found that jewellery displayed for sale was missing.According to the investigation, a masked robber entered the showroom through an opening near the lift shaft, where installation work was underway. The suspect is believed to have used a rope installed for the lift work to gain access to the building.
The showroom, which was inaugurated on October 14, had been operational for just 15 days when the burglary took place.A senior Madurai police officer had earlier confirmed to India Today that 11.465 kg of gold jewellery and diamond ornaments worth approximately Rs 15 crore had been stolen. The diamond jewellery alone was estimated to be worth around Rs 15 crore.
Police had initially suspected that a lone masked man carried out the robbery, although investigators were also examining whether others were involved in planning or executing the heist.Following the theft, Madurai Police formed nine special teams to identify and trace those involved. Investigators examined CCTV footage from the showroom and neighbouring areas, while forensic experts collected evidence from the premises.Police were also checking the identities and whereabouts of people who had recently visited the showroom, including former employees and workers involved in construction, interior decoration and installation work.Investigators were examining CCTV footage of vehicles that passed through the area around 3 am, when the robbery was suspected to have taken place.
Surveillance was also intensified at bus terminals and railway stations amid the possibility that the accused could attempt to flee Madurai by train.The latest arrests and recovery of around 5 kg of jewellery mark a significant development in the investigation. However, the prime accused, Nishant, remains at large.- Ends