Umerkote(Nabarangpur): In a major breakthrough, the Nabarangpur district police have arrested all seven persons involved in a high-value dacoity that took place on the night of February 22 at the residence of Amulya Jena in Kachaniamba village near Umerkote town. The police have recovered a substantial portion of the stolen cash and gold ornaments.
According to police, Amulya Jena had lodged a written complaint at the Umerkote police station stating that ₹70 lakh in cash and a large quantity of gold ornaments had been stolen from his house. He had reportedly sold a piece of land and kept the cash at home, information that later became central to the investigation.
The case was treated as a major challenge due to the magnitude of the theft. Acting under the direction of Nabarangpur Superintendent of Police and led by Umerkote Sub-Divisional Police Officer Shubhendu Sabar, three special teams were formed to investigate the matter. The teams conducted coordinated raids at multiple locations, leading to the arrest of all the accused within a week.
During the course of the investigation, police discovered that two of the prime accused — Babul Rana (38) and Ganesh Rana (32) of Majhiguda village under Nabarangpur police station limits — are relatives of the complainant. The two brothers allegedly had prior knowledge that Amulya had sold land and kept the cash at his residence. Police identified them as the masterminds behind the dacoity.
The other arrested accused have been identified as Dhiraj Laichan (30), Chitrasen Gand (32) of Dharanabeda village under Papadahandi police station limits, one CCL (child in conflict with law) of Majhiguda village under Jeypore Sadar police station in Koraput district, Ghasi Harijan, and Sukdev Muduli (19) of Jhaliaguda village under Kotpad police station limits.
From the accused, police recovered ₹21,33,000 in cash, an Ertiga car (registration number OD24H 4294) used in the commission of the crime, a scooter, 15 gold rings, one gold jugni chain, 13 gold lockets, two pairs of silver anklets, silver rings, and other valuables.
All seven accused have been arrested and forwarded to court.
Police officials stated during a press conference at Umerkote police station that further investigation is underway, as they suspect the involvement of additional persons in the crime. The investigation has also revealed that some of the accused have criminal cases pending against them in different police stations.
Among those present at the press conference were Nabarangpur Additional Superintendent of Police Aditya Sen, Umerkote SDPO Shubhendu Sabar, Papadahandi SDPO Satyajit Kandelkar, Umerkote IIC Bipin Kumar Bag, and Sub-Inspector Akshaya Mishra.
Police have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on organised crime in the district and assured that further action will follow if more links in the case emerge.
