Kendrapada: In a swift breakthrough, police arrested seven members of a dacoity gang on Sunday night for their alleged involvement in an armed robbery at Khandiapatana village under Aali police station limits earlier this month.
The accused have been identified as Bighneswar Mallick of Sukadevpur; Bhaju Tarai, Kirtan Samal, Pruthiraj Dalai and Sashikant Behera of Dhamara; and Bhanjakishor Barik and Pradeep Jena of Bansada.
According to the police, the gang had allegedly looted gold and silver ornaments worth around Rs 10 lakh from the house of businessman Pradeep Rout on the night of June 5 (Friday). Acting on specific inputs and technical analysis, Aali police cracked the case and arrested all seven accused.
During the operation, police recovered the stolen ornaments, 12 mobile phones, including two stolen handsets, three sharp weapons and three motorcycles used in the crime.
Aali police station IIC Antrajami Srichandan said the accused are suspected to be involved in several other robbery cases in Kendrapada district and adjoining areas.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the gang had carefully planned the dacoity. Police said four of the accused were actively involved in conducting reconnaissance, arranging logistics and executing the robbery. The gang reportedly arrived on motorcycles and used masks and gloves to avoid identification.
The breakthrough in the case came after police traced two stolen mobile phones, which led investigators to the accused.
The arrested persons were produced before a local court on Monday, and further investigation is underway.
