Sambalpur: In a major breakthrough, Hirakud police have solved a theft case reported last week, recovering gold and silver ornaments worth approximately Rs 15 lakh and ₹7,97,000 lakh in cash. The total value of the seized property is estimated at ₹23 lakh, police said.
Three persons have been arrested in connection with the crime. They have been identified as Sanjay Pradhan (42) of HBL Colony, Shiv Shankar Jena (42) of ITI Gujatal area, and Prashant Kumar Barik (39) of Substation Colony—all residents of the Hirakud area.
According to Sambalpur SP Mukesh Bhamoo, the trio fled to Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu following the theft and handed over the stolen items to Prashant, instructing him to return to Sambalpur after a month. Notably, Sanjay Pradhan has eight criminal cases registered against him prior to this incident.
The theft occurred in the early hours of July 24 at the residence of Rajendra Kumar Swain in SDO Colony under Hirakud police limits. The robbers broke in around 5 a.m., while the family was asleep, and stole cash and gold ornaments. Swain lodged a complaint at the Hirakud police station, prompting a week-long investigation.
Acting swiftly, police traced the gang’s movements and eventually arrested all three suspects. They have been produced in court, and further investigation is underway.
