Cocking a snook at the efficiency of the Commissionerate police, a gang committed a series of robberies by brandishing lethal weapons under the jurisdiction of the Khandagiri police on Saturday night.
But the gang triggered shockwaves in the city by brazenly shooting selfies with the victims.
The criminals looted cash worth over Rs 1.5 lakh, gold ornaments and other valuables in four separate incidents in 24 hours.
Sources said four people, including two engineering students were reportedly targeted by the miscreants on Saturday night.
One of the victims said that the miscreants had covered their faces with black clothes and terrorized him with sharp weapons. They fled the spot after taking selfies.
“I was physically assaulted by them near SUM Hospital last night. They looted cash worth Rs 25,000 and other valuables from me. Before leaving they took selfies with me while posing with billhooks and revolver,” said a victim Sudhir.
Another victim Sourav Das said they took him to a ATM on gunpoint and asked him to withdraw money from his account around 2.15 am Apart from the cash, they also looted a gold ring and watch. The criminals asked him to hold the gun and clicked a picture.
Meanwhile, police have started investigation taking into account the statements of the victims. However, locals alleged that inadequate night patrolling by police and their lack of visibility has led to the rise in such heinous crimes in Khandagiri and its nearby areas.