Malkangiri: Two persons have been arrested in Malkangiri on charges of looting gold ornaments and other valuables from a family on the pretext of performing a ‘Puja’ in their house.
Reportedly, some family members of Sridhar Patnaik of Jail Sahi in Malkangiri town had met the two accused Santosh Sahu and Manas Senapati, who identified themselves as priests, for advice on some family matter.
The accused duo had asked them to perform a ‘Puja’ in the house to ward off any mishaps or obstacles. Subsequently, the family members invited the priests to their house to perform the ‘Puja’.
Before starting the rituals, the accused duo asked the family members to vacate the bedroom where the ‘Puja’ will be performed.
After around five hours, the accused persons stepped out of the bedroom but warned the family members to not enter the room for four days as it would bring ill omen.
However, after the duo left, Sridhar doubted their intentions and stepped into the bedroom to find the almirah open with clothes being thrown out and all gold ornaments missing.
When contacted again, the priests refuted the theft allegations. Finally, Sridhar lodged a complaint with Malkangiri Town Police and the two accused were arrested.
