Bhubaneswar: Nayapalli police Wednesday busted an inter-district theft gang allegedly involved in stealing mobile phones and other valuables from Ama Bus passengers and people in crowded public places across the Capital city, officials said.
The accused were identified as Judhishthira Pradhan (20), Nila Reedy (39) and Gangadhar Sethi (38).
Two of the accused are from Ganjam district and one is from Nayagada district, police said. According to police, the gang targeted women, elderly people and students at crowded locations, particularly during morning and evening hours.
The accused allegedly operated at Ama Bus stops, markets, temples and bus stands, where they created artificial congestion to divert victims’ attention before stealing mobile phones, cash and other valuables from pockets and handbags.
Police said the accused had no permanent address and frequently moved from one place to another.
The stolen items were allegedly transported to other districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati and Bhadrak, and sold through intermediaries.