A gang of women looters from Maharashtra is reportedly operating in Bhubaneswar, targeting women travelling alone and stealing their valuables by pretending to be friendly co-passengers. According to sources, the accused befriend unsuspecting victims, engage them in casual conversation, and discreetly steal expensive jewellery from their bags.
The gang reportedly selects lone women as easy targets. They board the same vehicle, sit close to the victim, and use excuses such as asking for directions to divert attention before committing the theft.
One such incident was reported from the Khandagiri police station area. On January 19, a woman was travelling in an auto-rickshaw from Xavier Square to Baramunda when two women boarded the same auto at Nayapalli and sat on either side of her. Taking advantage of the situation, the accused allegedly stole more than 60 grams of gold jewellery worth approximately ₹9 lakh from her bag.
After discovering the theft, the victim lodged an FIR at the local police station. As no immediate breakthrough was made, her family later sought assistance from the Smart City CCTV surveillance system. By scanning footage from different parts of Bhubaneswar, the two accused women were traced and handed over to the police on Monday. Further investigation is underway.
