Mumbai, May 25
Despite enhanced security following 26/11, armed robbers struck inside the Mumbai airport cargo terminal today and escaped with 145 kilograms of gold and silver.

Police said the incident happened at around 11.30 in the morning when representatives of Pidilite Industries were booking a consignment of gold and silver coins to Hyderabad. The consignment consisted of six parcels. While two of the parcels were screened by the security officials, the others were waiting to be screened when the robbers, who were in a car, rushed to the Air India cargo terminal located inside the high security area. When a security guard tried stopping them, the accused rammed their vehicle into him, as a result he was seriously injured, police said. The robbers also fired in the air and threatened airline employees before fleeing with four packets, added police. The entire episode lasted a few minutes.

The value of the consignment is said to be in crores. The incident caused panic at the airport, as rumour spread that a terrorist attack had taken place. Joint Commissioner of Police Rakesh Maria, while talking to the mediapersons said it was a case of armed robbery.

Meanwhile, police has started nakabandi in different parts of the city to nabthe culprits.

Later in the evening, the employees of Pidilite Industries were also questioned. Police suspects that the robbers were acting on

prior information. The nvolvement of insiders could not be ruled out, it said.