Bhubaneswar: Thieves struck several Durga Puja mandaps across Bhubaneswar during Dussehra celebrations, stealing 190 mobile phones and 21 gold chains in three days, with the highest number of thefts reported on Tuesday, police sources said.
Following a spate of complaints from devotees, the Commissionerate Police has launched a drive to identify and arrest those involved. Police teams from Khandagiri, Nayapalli, Chandrasekharpur, Mancheswar, Laxmisagar and Shree Lingaraj police stations have detained some suspected thieves and recovered a few stolen mobile phones.
The maximum number of complaints involving mobile phone and gold chain thefts have been reported from puja mandaps in Baramunda, Nayapalli, Sahid Nagar, Rasulgarh, Cuttack Road and Jharpada.
The festive crowds at major puja venues appear to have provided an opportunity for thieves to target devotees, stealing their belongings amid the rush.
According to sources, gangs from different states have reportedly arrived in the capital to take advantage of the festive season and carry out thefts.
The police had stepped up security at puja venues by installing additional CCTV cameras and deploying plainclothes personnel and women police officers. Puja committees had also engaged volunteers to assist in crowd management and security.
Despite these measures, the thefts continued at several locations, prompting police to intensify their efforts to track down those responsible.
An official said some suspects had been detained and a few stolen mobile phones recovered. Further investigation is underway.
