Bhubaneswar: Amid the festive hustle and bustle of Dussehra, the Commissionerate Police in Bhubaneswar launched a major crackdown, arresting seven individuals, including four women, in connection with separate robbery and mobile theft rings.
A notorious 5-member inter-state ‘Banjara gang’ targeting devotees during the festive rush was also caught red-handed at the Old Station Bazaar Puja Pandal here.
According to sources, police have arrested two B Tech students who were allegedly involved in armed robberies on dark stretches of road under Info Valley police limits. They were reportedly apprehended within 12 hours of the incident and the stolen loot, along with a bike and multiple mobile phones, were recovered from them.
In a separate operation near Nayapalli Durga Puja pandal, police arrested five individuals, including four women, who were allegedly taking advantage of the festive crowds to pick pockets and steal smartphones. Five Android mobile phones, along with other stolen items, two-wheelers, and accessories were seized from the accused.
Similarly, the ‘Banjara gang’ blended into the massive crowds gathered for Durga Puja celebrations, specifically targeting people to snatch gold chains, purses, and mobile phones. They were caught by alert citizens and local volunteers while attempting to target a woman inside the crowded pandal. Some of the accused faced public ire before police intervened and took them into custody.
Criminal elements often exploit congested gatherings at major puja pandals in Nayapalli, Saheed Nagar, Jharpada, Station Bazar, Bomikhal, and Rasulgarh, which draw large crowds. Police have stepped up surveillance, utilizing CCTV monitoring and special plainclothes teams to curb such thefts.
Law enforcement agencies have urged citizens to remain extra cautious and vigilant of their belongings while visiting crowded festival pandals.