LUCKNOW, April 3 -- Ayodhya police arrested a 25-year-old pregnant woman and her 27-year-old friend for allegedly carrying out a daylight robbery at a jewellery shop in Rudauli, officials said on Friday.

The accused, identified as Payal and Rahul, were arrested late Thursday night near the Ayodhya-Barabanki border while allegedly trying to flee the district. Police said Payal, who is four months pregnant, entered Mahesh Jewellers in Kothi Bazar clad in a burqa around 12:30pm on Thursday while pretending to be a customer.

She allegedly asked for a gold necklace and chain, together worth around Rs.3.6 lakh.

According to investigators, she then created a diversion by asking for water and sweets, prompting the shop owner and staff to move ...