According to police, the robbery took place when garment exporter Anil Bansal’s daughter, Monika (18), returned home from the market around 7.30 pm.

Bansal’s elder daughter Sonia (20) reportedly opened the door for her sister when the accused—three of them reportedly had guns while one had a sharp knife—barged in.

The robber shut the door from inside and took both the girls and their mother, Lata Bansal, to a room, where two accused kept a watch on the family while the others ransacked the almirah and cupboards.

A senior police officer said, “The robbers even switched on the TV and increased the volume to prevent any noise from going out.”

The accused were reportedly in the house for almost half an hour and while leaving, threatened the family with dire consequences if they shouted.

“They took handkerchiefs from the almirah and covered their faces while leaving,” said the officer. Lata called Anil from his office after the robbers had left and both reported the matter to the police.

They told police that Rs eight lakh, a diamond set, a ruby jewellery set and other gold ornaments were missing. The money and jewellery were kept in the house as a marriage was approaching in the family, they told police.