The Sambalpur police on Friday busted a notorious inter-State looters’ gang with the arrest of five persons, including the kingpin identified as Kartik Majhi.
Two robberies had been reported from Ainthapali and Sasan on September 26 and October 10, respectively. The victims had complained that the looters decamped with gold and silver ornaments, cash, and other valuables, said SDPO Bhabani Shankar Udgata.
On the basis of the complaints, a probe was initiated and it was ascertained that the gang of Kartik was involved in the loots. Following this, a police team nabbed Kartik and his associates Pabitra Gardia, Akash Hembram, Sanjay Nayak and a juvenile. The looted ornaments, Rs 3,000 in cash were seized from them, said Udgata.
Besides, three receivers of the looted jewellery were also apprehended. They were identified as Pramila Meher, Ratnakar Meher, and Gajendra Meher.
Three gold necklaces, four gold bangles, two Mangalsutras, 11 gold rings, 14 gold earrings, a gold chain, three silver anklets, and other silver ornaments were seized from them.
The seized items were estimated to be worth around Rs 8.60 lakh.