Capital Police arrested four criminals during a late-night raid near an abandoned government quarter behind Congress Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on the intervening night of June 28 and 29.
Acting on reliable intelligence, officers foiled a plan to commit dacoity targeting lone commuters and passengers returning from the Railway Station area.
Police apprehended Silu Nayak, Bhabani Shankar Mohapatra alias Bana, Kalia Das alias Lokanath Das, and Bapi Nayak, while one accused, Sanjaya Pradhan, escaped under cover of darkness. Officers seized one sword, one iron knife, two sharp blades, four black face masks, chilli powder, three liquor bottles, and disposable glasses from the spot.
Interrogation revealed that the gang intended to rob cash, mobile phones, gold ornaments, and other valuables using deadly weapons. The arrested accused were forwarded to court today. Efforts are underway to nab the absconding accused and verify their involvement in other cases.
Police confirmed that the arrested men have multiple criminal antecedents. Silu Nayak has five prior cases, including robbery and theft. Bhabani Shankar Mohapatra faces eight cases ranging from excise violations to serious IPC charges. Kalia Das has one case registered against him, while Bapi Nayak’s record is under verification.
