Navi Mumbai: Investigations into the Bank of Baroda robbery have revealed that the main conspirator had taken a cue from a theft at Punjab National Bank, Haryana, in October 2014.
After Hajid Ali Subjar Ali Mirza Baig (45) had got out on bail in 2015, he came to know about the Haryana heist. “He watched YouTube videos of the theft uploaded by media houses and planned the Bank of Baroda robbery. Around ₹8 lakh was invested in planning and execution,” a police officer said.
Mr. Baig had strictly told his men to not use mobile phones during the execution and the accused digging the tunnel had used China-made walkie-talkies. The instruments used for digging were bought at a Turbhe store.
Meanwhile, the 11th accused, identified as Mehrunisa Sayyed (45), sister of Mr. Baig, was arrested in a dargah in Pune, where she was hiding with 2.5 kg gold worth ₹70 lakh. Ms. Sayyed, to confuse the police, had left her mobile phone in an autorickshaw.
“Following Mr. Baig’s arrest, she fled Govandi. While doing so, she left her mobile phone in an autorickshaw in silent mode without the auto driver’s knowledge,” the officer said. Ms. Sayyed was arrested with the help of her daughter and her Tamil Nadu-based son-in-law, who helped the police locate her.
According to the police, Mr. Baig is one of the top five criminals in the State with around 150 cases of theft against him.
After he was out on bail in 2015, he committed 100 more thefts. Every week, Mr. Baig used to travel to places like Akola, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Surat by car to commit thefts.
Till now, the police have arrested 11 people and recovered around 5.5 kg of the 11 kg gold stolen from 30 lockers of the bank. Four more are wanted in the case.
