Rajasthan: 5 arrested; 66.4 kg silver recovered in Jaipur treasure case

Jaipur, Aug 8 (IANS) Nearly 10 months after labourers allegedly discovered valuables while demolishing an old haveli in Jaipur’s Tripolia Bazaar and divided the haul among themselves, Manak Chowk police have arrested five persons and recovered 66.4 kg of silver. Investigators are now probing the whereabouts of the remaining valuables and the possible involvement of others.

According to DCP (North) Jaipur Karan Sharma, demolition work had been undertaken at House No. 630, Vidyadhar Ka Rasta, Tripolia Bazaar, in connection with new construction. A report regarding the demolition was lodged at Manak Chowk police station on July 15, 2026. During the demolition, a labourer allegedly discovered valuables concealed in the old structure and debris. Instead of informing the house owner, he allegedly shared the valuables with his associates.

Police investigation revealed that the group allegedly found around 10 to 15 silver ingots weighing approximately 40–45 kg, besides old gold and silver coins. Officials suspect that around 8,000 to 10,000 old silver coins and other valuables were part of the haul.

The labourer, identified as Mahesh Malhotra alias Chhotu, allegedly divided the valuables among himself and his associates. Investigators noticed significant changes in the financial circumstances and lifestyles of some suspects, prompting closer scrutiny.

The accused, who had previously worked as ordinary labourers, allegedly began displaying changes in spending patterns and living standards. As the incident had taken place nearly 10 months earlier, CCTV footage was no longer available, and the house had been completely demolished.

The Manak Chowk police team, along with the District Special Team (DST), Jaipur North, relied on technical investigation, call detail records, informant networks and surveillance of the suspects. Investigators examined mobile records and the suspects’ movements in Jaipur and surrounding areas, gathering information on their activities and financial status.

Police said these leads helped establish connections between the suspects and eventually identify the alleged participants. The arrested accused have been identified as Mahesh Malhotra (46), Jagdish Rajoria (51), Omprakash Khichi alias Pappu (54), and Rajni Malhotra (36), all residents of Mandi Khatikan, Ramganj, and Anuj Arora (28), a resident of Lakshminarayanpuri, Ramganj. Police recovered 66.400 kg of silver from their possession.

Interrogation of the accused is underway to determine the whereabouts of the remaining valuables and establish whether others were involved in the alleged misappropriation. The investigation is continuing.

–IANS

arc/dan