A key hidden beneath a water jug, a showroom locked from outside and two bags of gold whisked away while the trader was at the washroom — the Vadodara Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) has cracked the “pre-planned conspiracy” that led to the theft of gold jewellery worth Rs 8.28 crore from a Mumbai-based agent on October 11.

Seven people have been arrested, including the alleged mastermind, who was traced to Goa, and police have recovered 2.376 kg of the 5.5 kg stolen gold.

The total value of the property seized, including gold jewellery, silver anklets, vehicles and mobile phones, stands at Rs 3.31 crore, DCB Deputy Commissioner of Police Himanshu Verma said on Friday.…