Bhubaneswar: Eleven persons were arrested in Bhubaneswar during the last two days in connection with different crimes as the city police launched a crackdown on chain and mobile snatchers, drug peddlers, burglars, and anti-social elements.
The move came in the wake of a spate of burglaries in the state capital. While robbers looted over 200 grams of gold from a house at Ganesh Vihar in Infocity area last week, a temple was looted in Balipatna area. This apart, chain snatching and drug peddling incidents also rocked the city.
According to DCP Pinak Mishra, teams of efficient police personnel have been formed to patrol the city and rein in the miscreants as part of the safe city drive. A close watch is being kept on the activities of all habitual offenders and history-sheeters so that petty criminal activities are curbed.
The special team also raids ‘khati’ places at night where anti-socials gather for open drinking, he said.
The 11 people arrested in connection with different cases are Manoranjan Jena (24) of Badagada, Sagar Naik (24) Ranjan Kumar Sahu (29), Pravat Jena (31), Rabjan Kumar Guru (21), Balia Gouda (32), Prafulla Naik (22), Santosh Kumar Jena (25), Prasant Kumar Das (26), Mir Ashif Ishaq (33) and a juvenile.
While five were arrested for snatching, five were held for night robbery and loot, and three for contraband (ganja and marijuana) peddling.
Police recovered stolen items like three gold chains and bangles, a four-wheeler, two bicycles, 20 mobile phones, Rs 22,000 cash, and one vanity bag with important documents of an individual, police said.