Rayagada Police Bust Inter-District Theft Gang; 12 Arrested, Gold and Silver Seized

Rayagada, Odisha: Rayagada police have busted an alleged inter-district theft gang and arrested 12 people in connection with a series of theft and robbery cases reported across the district.

According to police, the accused targeted locked houses and properties after conducting prior reconnaissance of residents, vehicles, CCTV cameras and their movements. They allegedly broke into selected houses and stole valuables as part of a planned operation.

During the investigation, police recovered around 80 grams of gold, 581 grams of silver, 34.75 grams of melted gold and approximately 125.76 grams of gold ornaments pledged with finance institutions. Twelve mobile phones and equipment allegedly used for breaking locks and melting gold were also seized.

Police also seized several vehicles, including a Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, a Chevrolet car, a Bolero Neo and a Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle.

Rayagada SP Raj Prasad said a special team comprising intelligence personnel, the cyber unit and a special raid team was formed to investigate the cases. The probe was intensified following gold theft incidents reported in Ramnaguda and Doraguda police station areas. Technical surveillance and intelligence inputs helped police trace the alleged gang members.

Investigators further found that the accused allegedly melted stolen gold ornaments and converted them into new forms to make identification difficult. The gold was reportedly pledged with gold-loan institutions or sold at lower prices to obtain money.

Police said the 12 arrested accused have more than 15 serious criminal cases registered against them at various police stations in Rayagada, Kashipur, Chandili, Muniguda, Bissamcuttack, Gunupur, Koraput and Nabarangpur districts.

All the arrested accused have been forwarded to court, while further investigation into the theft network is underway.

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