Nuapada: In a major breakthrough, Khariar Police in Nuapada district solved a high-value theft case within 24 hours of its registration, arresting four accused and recovering stolen cash, gold and silver items worth over ₹55 lakh.
Addressing a press conference at the Khariar Police Station premises, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) informed that all the accused have been forwarded to court. He described the operation as a significant success achieved under the leadership of Nuapada Superintendent of Police, with coordinated efforts from multiple police stations.
The case was registered as Khariar Police Station Case No. 56 dated February 16. Following the complaint, three special teams comprising personnel from Khariar, Boden and Sinapali police stations were formed to launch an intensive investigation.
The theft took place on the night of Mahashivratri when Praveen Agrawal and his family, residing at Ward No. 11 in Putupada area of Khariar, had gone to a temple for puja. Around midnight, their son returned home and reportedly noticed suspicious movement near the house. A youth from Anchlapur village, who had worked at their residence two years ago before leaving the job, was seen loitering nearby. This clue led police to focus their investigation on him.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, which subsequently led to the arrest of three others identified as Bholeshwar Thela, Chudamani Kanda, Ganesh Thela and Hemant Kata, all residents of Anchlapur village.
Police recovered ₹37,40,120 in cash, silver bars and coins worth approximately ₹10 lakh, and gold jewellery weighing around 50 grams valued at ₹7 lakh. In total, stolen property worth over ₹55 lakh was recovered. Additionally, four mobile phones and two motorcycles used in the crime were seized.
In a bid to destroy evidence, the accused had reportedly taken away an iron safe from the house, broken it open and had thrown it into the Udanti River. During interrogation, they disclosed that the locker had been buried in the river sand, which helped police recover crucial evidence.
The press conference was attended by Khariar Police Station Officer Sumant Naik, and the officers-in-charge of Boden and Sinapali police stations.
Police officials stated that swift coordination, technical analysis and timely interrogation helped solve the case within a day, ensuring complete recovery of the stolen property.
