Patna: A group of men allegedly posing as prospective buyers lured gold traders to an apartment in Patna, seized 1kg of gold at gunpoint without making payment and fled, police said on Sunday while announcing the arrest of three people in connection with the crime.The case was registered on June 24 after jewellery shop owner Sachin Gupta lodged a complaint. According to the complaint, the accused negotiated a deal to purchase 1kg of gold in the form of brick-shaped bars but insisted that the transaction take place at an apartment under Patliputra police station instead of the jewellery shop.Addressing the reporters, ASP (law and order) Krishna Murari Prasad said, “According to the investigation, the apartment belonged to Banke Bihari Singh, a resident of Siwan district. After taking possession of the gold, the accused allegedly threatened those present with weapons, refused to pay the agreed amount and fled with the gold.”Police arrested Manoj Kumar, who supplies pathology equipment to medical professionals, Banke Bihari Singh and Aman Kumar, who worked in a private company. Investigators said all three were actively involved in planning and executing the offence.Prasad said several other people who came into contact with the accused during the transaction were also questioned. “Their statements were recorded and they were released after police found no evidence of their involvement,” he said.Police traced the registered owners of a motorcycle and another vehicle allegedly used in the crime, but the suspects linked to them remain absconding. Several raids, including with assistance from Motihari Police, have failed to secure their arrest. The ASP said the main accused are still absconding and the stolen gold has not yet been recovered.