Bargarh: A dreaded inter-district robbers’ gang comprising seven members including a minor was busted by police under Atabira police limits in Bargarh district late Monday night.
The gang members were reportedly hatching a plan to rob a bank when they were arrested, police said.
The accused were identified as Krushna Mohapatra (28) of Balitikra, Akash Seth (20) of Beheratikra, Suraj Mohapatra (20) of Ambapali, Kiran Kumar Achari (24) of Talapadartikra, Kishore Mohapatra (22) alias Titu of Saranda, Ganesh Prasad Mishra (35) of Nuapali and a minor boy. Another accomplice of the gang managed to flee, SP Ashis Kumar Singh said at a press conference held at the Bargarh SDPO office.
Two pistols, a live bullet, a machete and three motorcycles were seized from their possession, the SP added.
According to police, the accused were wanted in several cases registered against them in Town, Sadar and Bhatli police stations in the district. The gang was produced in court and six of them were eventually sent to jail after rejection of their bail petitions. The minor boy would be forwarded to Rourkela juvenile court, police officials said.
The arrested criminals had unleashed a spell of terror in the district for the last few months and posed a challenge for the police. A special squad was formed to keep vigil on the movement of the gang members, the SP said.
Meanwhile, the gang members met at Hanutikra to commit a major robbery in Chakulifarm branch of UCO Bank. However, police got wind of their plans and conducted a surprise raid in the area. Though the accused tried to flee, they were ultimately overpowered by the police team. During interrogation, the accused confessed about their involvement in several robbery cases that took place in Bargarh and Bhatli areas.
It is learnt that the gang was making plans to rob the banks of the district. The members used to rob depositors who were returning home after withdrawing cash from the bank. The bikes seized from them were also stolen ones and were being used to commit crimes.
Accused Krushna was the kingpin of the gang and he would leave the state to lie low after each robbery, SP Singh told mediapersons.
ASP Satyanarayan Panda, SDPO Nrupacharan Dansena, Bargarh IIC Biswamitra Harpal, Sadar IIC Tarajashmine Guria, Atabira IIC Bibhuti Bhusan Bhoi and Bhatli IIC Nirodh Kumar Das were present at the media briefing. PNN
