Gaya: In a significant operation, the Madhya Pradesh police, with the assistance of the Bihar STF, conducted raids in Gaya in connection with a high-profile gold robbery case involving 14.5 kilograms of gold. Manoj Sonar, the owner of Prem Jewellers located in Raniganj Bazaar, Gaya district, has been taken into custody.

According to police sources, Manoj Sonar is currently being interrogated at Imamganj police station. Initial investigations have reportedly revealed crucial details related to the purchase and sale of the stolen gold. Raids have been ongoing in the Imamganj police subdivision for the past two days. The Bihar STF team confiscated the CCTV camera hard drive and other essential documents from the jeweler's shop. Imamganj SDPO Dheeraj Kumar confirmed the operation, stating that the district police and STF are collaborating with a special team from Madhya Pradesh police.

It is reported that a Madhya Pradesh police team had been camping in Gaya for the past 10 days. On Friday, the team also raided Magra Bazaar in the district, where an accused fled, abandoning his motorcycle upon seeing the police. The motorcycle has been seized. Earlier raids were also conducted on gold shops in Gurua and other blocks on Thursday.

Police had previously arrested one accused, whose information led to the action at Prem Jewellers and the subsequent detention of Manoj Sonar. However, the district police have not yet clarified how much stolen gold Manoj Sonar acquired or how he disposed of it. Sonar's detention created a stir in Raniganj Bazaar, with many locals and businessmen gathering at Imamganj police station. DSP Dheeraj Kumar stated that a thorough investigation into the matter is underway, and Sonar is being questioned.