Bhubaneswar: The Balianta police, under Bhubaneswar Urban Police District (UPD), busted a gang of thieves involved in stealing sheep on Thursday. Eight members of the gang have been arrested and forwarded to court.
According to reports, the accused have been identified as Sk Wajid, Akash Bhoi, Ayushman Nandi, Raja Kandi, Sk Rahil, Sk Sahil, Sk Zahir, and Kelu Sah.
Police seized two cars, 11 mobile phones, five sheep, and Rs 23,170 in cash from their possession. The sheep were found inside the cars.
During police interrogation, the suspects confessed to having stolen 20 goats from the same village. Sk Wajid and Sk Zahir were identified as the masterminds behind the gang.
Prior to the thefts, other members of the gang conducted reconnaissance to gather information about the targeted area.
The thefts were carried out using the cars, and the stolen sheep and other items were sold in the market. The proceeds were then divided equally among the members.
Six of the eight arrested individuals have criminal cases pending against them at various police stations in the state.