Bhubaneswar: In a swift and decisive anti-crime operation, Talcher police carried out a double encounter in the Handapa area in Angul district, seriously injuring two hardcore robbers from Maharashtra who were involved in a daring gold and silver jewellery heist.
The encounter took place on Wednesday evening near Chuliapur forest under the jurisdiction of Handapa Police Station.
According to police sources, the gang had robbed Balaji Gold Refinery at Hatatota in Talcher the previous evening. The armed criminals had looted approximately 230 grams of gold, 60 grams of gold ornaments, and 700 grams of silver ornaments. They also abducted one employee of the jewellery unit at gunpoint before fleeing the spot.
Acting on credible intelligence, Talcher Police launched a massive manhunt. The robbers were intercepted in the forest area, leading to a fierce exchange of fire between the police and the criminals.
During the gun battle, two Maharashtra-based accused Sachin Gajge and Prakash Madane sustained bullet injuries in their legs. Police immediately overpowered and disarmed them before shifting both to the District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.
In the operation, two other gang members — Rajesh Madane and Deva Prabhakar Lokhande — were also arrested on the spot. Police recovered all the looted gold and silver ornaments, two country-made pistols with live ammunition, and the vehicle used by the gang in the crime. However, one more accused managed to escape and is currently absconding.
Police have launched a search operation to nab the fugitive and identify any other possible accomplices.
