A robbery case involving Jharsuguda-based businessman Mukesh Kumar Buchwani has taken an unexpected turn after police recovered a substantially higher value of cash and valuables than what was mentioned in the FIR. While the complaint stated that Rs 14 lakh in cash was stolen, police seized Rs 38 lakh from the arrested accused.

According to reports, the robbery occurred a few days ago at Buchwani’s residence, where intruders allegedly escaped with cash and gold and silver jewellery. In the FIR lodged at the local police station, Buchwani claimed that around Rs 14 lakh in cash and gold and silver items worth Rs 20 lakh were stolen. Based on the complaint, police launched a probe and soon arrested the accused.

However, the recovery made by the police indicates significant discrepancies. Apart from recovering over Rs 37 lakh in cash, officials also seized gold ornaments worth nearly Rs 66 lakh and silver items valued at Rs 24 lakh from the looters. The mismatch between the FIR details and the recovered items has raised questions about the accuracy of the initial complaint.

Delay in Filing FIR Under Scrutiny

Reports suggest that the businessman filed the FIR a day after the incident, reportedly after considerable deliberation. The situation drew further attention after the Superintendent of Police (SP) told the media that all recovered property would be returned to the complainant, even though the recovered amount did not match the figures stated in the FIR.

Additional concerns were raised when the SP reportedly said that the accused were caught quickly and had not committed any other robberies elsewhere. This led to questions regarding whether Buchwani was questioned thoroughly and whether the case warranted referral to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW).

Public discussion also centred on whether the complaint was inaccurately filed and whether the undeclared cash could be linked to undisclosed income.

Investigation Still Ongoing

Jharsuguda SDPO stated that the investigation is still in progress, with the SP reiterating that the matter remains under detailed probe, according to sources.

Also Read: Jharsuguda loot: 10 armed robbers arrested; Rs 37 lakh cash and gold worth Rs 67 lakh seized

Reports indicate that Buchwani, a paan masala trader, is a well-known businessman in the area.