In a significant breakthrough for the Commissionerate police, five dreaded dacoits, including the gang’s kingpin, were nabbed while they were planning to commit a major dacoity in the city on Friday night.
However, three gang members managed to elude the police dragnet.
Sources said the gang was planning a robbery near Kalinga Nagar. Getting information the Khandagiri police along with the special squad swooped down on the spot and nabbed five members of the gang while three of them escaped.
The gang was led by one Diptikanta Mohanty, who had five warrants pending against him. The gang besides, looting the victims, used to sexually assault the women members of the houses they looted, police said.
“A truck, a numberless car and a bike have been seized from their possession. This apart, 40 grams gold ornaments, 100 grams silver, four mobile phones and sharp weapons were also recovered,” said DCP Satyabrata Bhoi.
Sources said more than 14 cases are pending at various police stations against each of the criminals.
Meanwhile, police further suspected the robbery gang of having many other members in its fold. “Investigation is on to nab the others,” added Bhoi.