Prayagraj: A Pratapgarh-based jeweller, along with two of his accomplices, was arrested on Tuesday for concocting a fake loot story. Cops also seized Rs 9.60 lakh in cash, 3 kg of silver, 1 country-made pistol of 0.315 bore along with two live cartridges, three mobile phones, a bike, and a car from their possession. Those arrested were Avanish Kumar Tiwari alias Ayush Tiwari (30), Anuj Dubey alias Anoj Kumar Dubey (40), and Ritesh Maurya (jeweller)– residents of Pratapgarh and Amethi, respectively. On Feb 6, jeweller Ritesh Maurya of Amethi informed police that 3 unidentified armed and bike-borne miscreants looted Rs 9.60 lakh in cash, jewellery, and other valuables when he, along with his friend, was going from Prayagraj to Amethi in his car near Gajehra forest under the limits of Delhupur police station. An FIR under sections 309(4)/126(2) BNS was registered at Delhupur police station. After the arrest, Anuj Dubey confessed that he, along with his friends, as per the plan, snatched the bag and fled. Anuj said he gave some money to Ritesh a few days back. When he wanted his money back, Ritesh cited money crunch and assured him he would do something. A few days later, Ritesh told Anuj that he finalised a plan and was going to Prayagraj in his car for some shopping. After that, Ritesh called him on Feb 6 morning, and they met in Pratapgarh near the Kotwali. Ritesh explained the plan that he would return in the evening with the craftsman, and Anuj, along with 2 of his friends, would rob the bag kept in the back of the car near Delhupur forest by showing a pistol. After that, Anuj would get his money back, and Ritesh would also get money with which he would pay off the debts of other people as well. Ritesh initially gave Anuj Rs 20,000 and narrated some signs of identification.
