Keeping in view the festive season ahead, the Commissionerate police (CP) has launched a crackdown against criminal gangs and proclaimed offenders.
On Sunday, the CP busted a notorious gang involved in several incidents of loot in the city. Eight miscreants including two juveniles have been nabbed and one pistol, four motorbikes and cash of Rs 60,000 have been seized from their possession.
DCP Satyabrat Bhoi informed that the gang used to loot money from people on National Highways and those returning after withdrawing money from banks.
“On a tipoff, we have arrested eight robbers and snatchers and recovered a firearm. We are trying to round up the entire gang which used to operate in Bhubaneswar, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and more than 20 cases are pending against them at various places,” said Bhoi.
Meanwhile, for ensuring a hassle-free Durga Puja, 25 platoons of police force will be deployed in Bhubaneswar while 54 platoons of police will ensure foolproof security in Cuttack during the weeklong festive period.
“Elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure smooth traffic management and upkeep of law and order situation during the Durga Puja, Ravana Podi Utsav and idol immersion,” Police Commissioner YB Khurania said.
“Plain clothes police personnel, Quick Action Team (QAT), ODRAF teams will also be in place. Two platoons of Special Operations Group (SOG) in Cuttack and one platoon will be deployed in Bhubaneswar to combat any eventuality. Besides, two platoons of CRPF will also be roped in,” Khurania added.
As part of precautionary measures, the police have taken measures to book notorious criminals and detain them under the National Security Act (NSA) to prevent any unpleasant situation during the festive period.