Interstate Robbery Gang Busted in Kandhamal: Police Seize Weapons

Police Action in Kandhamal District

In a significant operation, law enforcement in Sarangada, located in Kandhamal district, apprehended three individuals linked to an interstate robbery syndicate on Sunday. The arrests occurred during a routine vehicle inspection on the Phulbani–Baliguda route, where officers discovered various weapons, including a Mauser pistol, an air gun, and several sharp instruments.

While three suspects were taken into custody, two others, including the alleged leader of the gang, managed to escape and are currently evading capture. The arrested suspects have been identified as 23-year-old Mohammad Arif Ansari, along with 18-year-olds Shahaban Shah and Sheikh Mustafa, all hailing from Maharashtra.

Authorities have initiated a case at the Sarangada police station and are actively searching for the remaining suspects.

The incident began when police stopped a suspicious Alto vehicle carrying five individuals. A search of the car yielded a Mauser pistol, an air gun, a machete, two knives, and a sum of cash.

Upon interrogation, the suspects were unable to provide satisfactory explanations for their actions and the items found in their possession, resulting in their arrest. G Udayagiri SDPO Vijay Kumar Bishi confirmed the arrests and indicated that the investigation is ongoing.