Police Foil Sale Of ‘Hanuman’ Coins, Arrest 7 Persons In Odisha’s Berhampur

Berhampur: Police have foiled an attempt to sell ‘Hanuman’ coins at Rs 2 crore in Shanti Nagar in the city and arrested 7 persons in this connection.

Acting on a tip-off, Bada Bazar police conducted a raid on the house of one Surjya Patra in Shanti Nagar where a secret deal was being finalised on Monday. Police seized three coins which seem to have antique value.

Police also seized Rs 1.5 lakh in cash, two number plates of motorcycle, magnet, spirit and other incriminating materials from the possession of the accused persons. However, the house owner Surjya Patra absconded.

The arrested persons are Pradeep Mahapatra (41), Anil Kusum (34) and Suresh Meher (31) from Sambalpur, Akshya Kumar Patra (36) and S Jayaram Patra (34) from Ganjam and Jayanta Pradhan (21) and Vijen Kumar Bag (40) from Rourkela).

Police have registered a case under Sections 120 (B)/417419/420/511/ 34 IPC R/W Sec 25(1)(2) of the Antiques and Treasures Act 1972 and forwarded the arrested persons to the court on Tuesday.