Police solve Nayagarh liquor shop burglaries: Seven arrested from Ganjam | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: In a swift and coordinated operation, Odagaon police in Nayagarh district have solved a series of liquor shop burglaries that occurred on the intervening night of Sept 30 and Oct 1, and arrested seven persons. “Seven individuals from Ganjam district were arrested in connection with the crimes, and stolen cash, liquor, and tools used in the break-ins were recovered,” read a police statement issued on Friday.The accused were identified as Chitrasena Jena, 22, and Narayan Jena, 27, both of Arakhapur, Babulu Dalei, 21, of Hinjilicut, Ranjan Roul, 26, and Kisan Pandi, 23, both of Kodala, Sankar Maharana, 22, of Arunapur, and Sisira Swain, 27, of Pocharmundi.The burglaries took place at three liquor outlets located at Cinema Hall Junction in Odagaon and Bankatara village. The accused allegedly broke open the shutters of the shops and decamped with Rs 1.98 lakh in cash and several liquor bottles. Police recovered Rs 1.62 lakh in cash, a four-wheeler, four motorcycles, nine smartphones, two other phones, an iron crowbar, and a billhook used in the burglaries. Police sources said the gang targeted liquor shops due to the likelihood of large cash holdings. They operated at night, using tools to break open shop shutters and steal valuables.The investigation gained momentum after CCTV footage from the crime scenes helped to identify the suspects. With the help of informants in Nayagarh and Ganjam districts, police tracked down and apprehended the accused.Police said that all seven accused have a history of similar offences across multiple locations, including Bhanjanagar, Pipili, Bhubaneswar, Nayagarh, Khuntuni, Daringbadi, Mancheswar and Balugaon. They were earlier jailed in March and released on bail in July. “Odagaon police have urged the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity in their localities,” the statement added.
