In a major breakthrough, Bolangir Police have busted a nine-member interstate theft gang that allegedly travelled from Nayagarh to carry out multiple thefts across Bolangir district. A local trader who allegedly assisted the gang by remaking stolen jewellery was also arrested, bringing the total number of accused held to 10.
The case was cracked after investigators recovered fingerprint evidence from a jewellery shop looted in Chudapali. According to police, the gang primarily targeted temples and jewellery shops before fleeing the district.
Bolangir Superintendent of Police Abhilash G said one of the accused, Panchu Behera—a habitual offender—was identified after his fingerprint was matched with evidence collected from the jewellery shop looted on January 31. The fingerprint was cross-verified, leading to his arrest.
Following Behera’s apprehension, police analysed mobile tower location data from the area at the time of the theft. A suspicious phone number helped investigators trace another suspect from Nayagarh. During interrogation, the two accused allegedly disclosed information that led to the arrest of the remaining gang members.
Of the nine accused involved in the theft operations, six are from Nayagarh district while three hail from Bolangir district.
Police revealed that the gang was involved in thefts at jewellery shops in Loisingha and Chudapali, a hardware shop in Bolangir town, and the Salepali Shiva Temple.
Investigations further revealed that the gang carried out detailed reconnaissance before executing the crimes. Members based in Bolangir allegedly conducted recce operations and identified targets, while those from Nayagarh carried out the actual thefts.
