Rajkot: Ten days after two men allegedly robbed Rs 19 lakh from Prime Enterprise, an angadia firm in Rajkot, city crime branch arrested two suspects. However, the two primary perpetrators who allegedly executed the robbery remain on the run, police said on Monday.The accused allegedly used end-to-end encrypted mobile apps that provide a virtual number for communication to execute the robbery to avoid tracing by police.The arrested individuals are Ramzanali alias Raju Sheikh, (32), from West Bengal and Pravin Khajiyo, (28), from Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, multi-state manhunts have been launched to track down the absconding prime accused — Asu and Arun.Meticulous planning & encrypted communicationsSpeaking to the media, DCP (Crime) Jagdish Bangarwa revealed that preliminary investigations point to a highly organised operation. Despite having limited formal education, the suspects leveraged advanced technology to evade law enforcement — a skill set acquired through extensive involvement in crime.Police sources said the gang used a privacy-focused, end-to-end encrypted messaging application popular among drug cartels and organized crime syndicates. The platform features private numbers, non-server-stored communication histories, voice/video calls and low-data modes. Because the platform’s servers and headquarters are outside India, obtaining user data poses significant challenges and delays for investigative agencies.According to police, to further minimise their footprint and avoid leaving digital or physical trails, the accused adopted several measures. They intentionally avoided hotel stays to bypass mandatory identity verification and frequent CCTV logging. Ramzanali, who had been working as a labourer in Rajkot for the past three months, was instructed by Asu to rent a house locally ahead of the crime. The group conducted in-depth reconnaissance in Rajkot for 20 days leading up to the heist, having previously surveyed the Grain Market in Jamnagar as well.Execution and escapeAccording to investigators, the robbery at Prime Enterprise occurred around 10.30am on July 30. Asu brandished a weapon at the complainant, Alkesh Dave, while executing the robbery alongside Arun. Ramzanali and Pravin provided logistical support.Prior to the incident, the gang stole a motorcycle to execute the crime. A day before the robbery, Pravin and Ramzanali departed for Delhi. After the heist, Asu and Arun rode the stolen motorcycle from Than to Surendranagar, abandoned it near a railway station and boarded a train to Delhi.The four reassembled in Delhi to divide the loot before dispersing to different states.Arrests and recoveriesAfter the incident, crime branch teams were dispatched to Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Using technical surveillance, investigators pinpointed and apprehended Pravin from UP and Ramzanali from West Bengal.A court has since granted a five-day police remand for Ramzanali. Police recovered Rs 2 lakh of the stolen funds.Investigations into the backgrounds of the gang members revealed extensive criminal histories. Pravin is facing two registered cases in Rajasthan, including charges under the Arms Act. Asu is named in at least 22 cases — including attempted murder, robbery, dacoity and Arms Act violations — with officials estimating his criminal record could exceed 40 cases.Police are yet to recover the remaining Rs 17 lakh robbed from the angadia firm. Two accused are still evading arrest.
