March 11, 2025: In a shocking daylight robbery, a group of armed, masked men stormed a Tanishq jewellery showroom in Arrah, Bihar, on Monday, looting ornaments worth ₹25 crore while holding customers and staff at gunpoint. The audacious heist took place around 10:30 AM, shortly after the store opened, leaving everyone inside terrified.

According to eyewitness accounts, six robbers arrived in a car and parked it across the street. Due to showroom policy restricting entry to large groups, they initially entered in pairs. However, when the sixth man approached, he brandished a pistol, held security guard Manoj Kumar at gunpoint, snatched his weapon, and physically assaulted him.

With complete control over the showroom, the robbers swiftly packed jewellery—including gold chains, bangles, necklaces, and diamond pieces—into bags. CCTV footage shows them ordering customers and staff to raise their hands as they carried out the heist. Employees, fearing for their lives, took cover behind counters.

Soon after the robbery, Bhojpur Superintendent of Police launched an extensive manhunt, instructing all police stations to conduct vehicle checks across the district. Using CCTV footage and circulated images, officers spotted six suspicious men on three motorcycles at Babura Choti bridge, heading towards Doriganj.

When signaled to stop, the suspects attempted to speed away, triggering a high-speed chase. In a dramatic turn of events, the robbers opened fire on the police, forcing officers to retaliate. Two of the criminals sustained injuries during the gunfight and were immediately taken into custody. Law enforcement officials recovered two pistols, ten cartridges, a Pulsar motorcycle, and a significant amount of stolen jewellery from them.

Despite the swift arrests, showroom employees have raised concerns about police inaction during the robbery. Showroom manager Kumar Mrityunjay claimed that repeated calls for help went unanswered, sparking criticism over the lack of security measures in the area.

“This happened in broad daylight, and yet the police didn’t respond when we needed them the most. Two of our executives were also injured after being hit on the head with a revolver,” Mrityunjay told reporters.

The police are currently investigating the case, working with the jewellery company to assess total losses. Meanwhile, the incident has raised serious concerns about law enforcement preparedness, especially with Holi festivities around the corner.