Balangir: In a swift breakthrough, Balangir Police arrested five members of an inter-district dacoit gang involved in a highway robbery reported last week. Police also seized a car, seven mobile phones and cash worth ₹1 lakh from their possession.
The incident took place on November 28, when Kheti Barik, a farmer, was travelling by motorcycle to Agalpur to purchase cattle. As he reached Budhisingha road, which links to the national highway, a group of miscreants intercepted him around 6 pm and robbed him of more than ₹2 lakh. Barik later filed an FIR at Puintala police station.
Acting promptly on the complaint, Balangir Police launched an investigation and managed to apprehend all five accused. The arrested individuals have been identified as Gopal Barik, Sushant Deep, Sushant Podha, Raja Nayak and Jaydeep Kuanr — each with a history of criminal activities in multiple police stations across the region.
According to police, the gang was led by Gopal Barik, who has over 20 criminal cases registered against him and is believed to be the mastermind behind the robbery.
Balangir Superintendent of Police Abilash G disclosed the details during a press conference on Wednesday, commending the investigative team for its timely action.
