Masked robbers appear on CCTV but elude Virar cops

A gang of robbers is keeping the Virar police force on its toes. Targeting showrooms selling car and auto parts in Virar, Vasai and Nallasopara, the gang has robbed around 25 showrooms in the past five months, and is still at large.

This is despite the fact that one shopkeeper has provided the cops with the CCTV footage of the robbery in progress. According to police sources, the gang has been active for a few years and the members wear masks to hide their identity while stealing.

"We are keeping a close eye on their activity," said Senior Police Inspector Chandrakant Jadhav, Virar police station. "We have formed two separate teams and have alerted our local informers. Our officers are investigating the case on top priority. Soon all accused will be in custody," he added.

Two months ago, the robbers broke into Magnus Motors Showroom owned by Purav Mehta in Virar and looted Rs 10 lakh worth of car tapes and cash. In December, they hit his store again, but this time they broke the windshield of five brand new vehicles and stole car tapes.

The CCTV footage of the gang robbing the Magnus Motors showroom in Virar

"My security guard went missing both times, days after the robbery. The police didn't question him while he was present. I suspect the involvement of the guards. I also gave the CCTV footage to the police but still no arrests have been made," said an agitated Mehta, who owns two stores in Virar and Nallasopara.