5 held for robbery at scrap dealer’s house in Aligarh

Agra: Five people were arrested on Thursday in connection with a daylight robbery at a scrap dealer's house in Aligarh on Wednesday. Police recovered stolen valuables, cash and illegal firearms from the accused. One more suspect is on the run.The robbery took place in Ghudiya Bagh area under Delhi Gate police station. Four armed men, posing as Holi revellers with colours smeared on their faces, allegedly barged into the house of Vinod Kumar Vashishtha, held the family hostage at gunpoint and knifepoint, assaulted them and looted jewellery, cash and mobile phones before fleeing.SSP Neeraj Jadaun said the accused gained entry on the pretext of celebrating Holi. "Vashishtha's wife, Suman Devi, resisted them and even bit one of the accused on the hand. Because of her bravery, the accused managed to take only limited items and she saved the remaining valuables," he said.The arrested accused include Arif, Nizamuddin and Pappu, all residents of Aligarh; Hashim from Bulandshahr; and Nadeem from Firozabad. Police said they recovered looted gold bangles, Rs 7,500 in cash, two country-made pistols (.315 bore and .312 bore) with live cartridges, the motorcycle used in the crime, and a mobile phone.Jadaun said efforts were underway to arrest the remaining accused. He added that a reward of Rs 25,000 and commendation certificates would be given to the police team that cracked the case. The accused have been charged under multiple sections, including BNS section 309 (robbery), and were sent to jail.