LUCKNOW, April 4 -- 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 away briefly. Taking advantage, she allegedly grabbed a 26-gram, 22-carat gold necklace and chain and headed for the exit. When shop owner Mahesh Sarraf attempted to stop her, she pulled out a "toy pistol" and threatened to shoot him. She escaped on a motorcycle driven by Rahul, who was waiting a short distance away. The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed inside and around the shop. Police scanned footage from nearly 60 cameras along the escape route and traced the motorcycle registration number, which led them to the duo. ADG (Lucknow Zone) Praveen Kumar said the accused were intercepted near the Ayodhya-Barabanki border. "The robbery was executed in a 'Bunty and Babli' style using a toy pistol," he said. During interrogation, the duo allegedly confessed to planning the crime in advance. Police said Rahul had arranged the burqa and fake pistol to help conceal Payal's identity. Investigators said Payal was married last year and had recently returned from Punjab to her parental home in Ayodhya, reportedly to appear for Intermediate examinations. Her father told police she had left home on Thursday on the pretext of getting a talisman made, claiming she had been frequently unwell. Police said the stolen jewellery had been recovered and further interrogation was underway to determine whether the two were involved in previous offences....