Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 6 (HBTV): Tamil Nadu Police have arrested four individuals for allegedly stealing diamonds worth INR 20 crore after assaulting a merchant inside a hotel room in Chennai.

The accused—identified as John Lawer, Vijay, Ratheesh, and Arun Pandiarajan—were apprehended near the Puthur Pandiyapuram toll plaza in Thoothukudi on Monday night during a vehicle search, police officials said.

According to police, the robbery took place in a hotel in Chennai where the suspects tied up the merchant in his room, stole the diamonds, and fled the scene.

The victim, who managed to alert hotel staff by screaming for help, was rescued and later filed a complaint at the Vadapalani Police Station. A case was registered, and an investigation was launched.

In response, police across Tamil Nadu were directed to intensify searches to locate and apprehend the accused. Upon receiving intelligence that the suspects were headed towards Thoothukudi, Chennai Police alerted their counterparts in the district.

The suspects were intercepted and arrested at the toll plaza and will be handed over to Chennai Police for further investigation, officials added.

(ANI)