Police bust robbery gang in Odisha’s Puri; arrest five dacoits, seize weapons

Puri: In a major crackdown, Baseli Sahi police today busted a robbery gang when it was making plans at the ground floor of a marriage mandap in Mangalaghat of Puri district to commit a crime. Police have arrested five hardcore criminals in this connection and launched a detailed probe.

The history-sheeters have several cases pending against them in the police station including murder, snatching, and robbery. They were making plans to snatch the valuables from devotees and tourists coming to the pilgrimage city. Police have seized two live bombs, two daggers, a knife, two iron rods, two torches and several other incriminating instruments from their possession, an official said.

Police have registered a case (No-197/2023 under Sections 399, 402, 294, 353 as well as Sections 4 and 5 of the Arms Act). The five arrested were forwarded to a local court later in the day.

“We have already launched a special drive and accordingly arrested at least 64 hardcore criminals so far. The drive will be intensified in the days ahead,” said City DSP Prashant Sahu in a presser.

“Acting on a tip-off, a team raided the mandap leading to the arrests,” the DSP added.