Gorakhpur (UP), Dec 31 (PTI) A jeweller was robbed of ornaments worth Rs 18 lakh by masked men here, police said on Tuesday.

The incident occurred near Lalchand Chapra village on the Laxmiganj-Pakadiyar road when Rajan Verma, was returning home at around 11.00 pm after closing his shop.

Also Read | Year Ender 2024: From Launch of SpaDeX Mission to Successful Tests of Reusable Launch Vehicle 'Pushpak', Check List of ISRO Accomplishments This Year.

Three masked men on a motorcycle intercepted him. Sensing danger, Verma tried to escape but was forced off the road after the robbers rammed into his bike, police said.

When Verma attempted to flee on foot with his bag, the assailants attacked him with gun butts and sticks, injuring him on his head and legs. They snatched his mobile phone and stole 2.5 kg of silver and 200 grams of gold jewellery, worth Rs 18 lakh, before fleeing, Superintendent of Police Santosh Mishra said.

Also Read | Bank Holiday: Will Banks Remain Open or Closed on January 1, 2025? Know if Bank Branches Will Operate on First Day of New Year.

Upon receving Verma's complaint, senior police officials visited the spot. Police teams are scanning CCTV footage and conducting raids to arrest the accused, the SP said.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)