In a major success against organised crime, Anugola Police solved a high-profile armed robbery and kidnapping case within just 12 hours of the incident.
Four accused persons were arrested following a dramatic chase and police operation, while most of the looted gold and silver ornaments were successfully recovered.
The operation culminated in an encounter inside a forest area under Handapa Police Station limits, where two accused sustained bullet injuries after allegedly opening fire on police personnel.
Armed Robbery at Gold Refinery in Talcher
According to police officials, the incident took place on June 17 at around 6:10 PM at Balaji Gold Refineries in Hatatota, Talcher.
A group of armed miscreants allegedly looted approximately 230 grams of gold, 60 grams of gold ornaments and 700 grams of silver ornaments from the establishment. During the robbery, the accused also kidnapped an employee at gunpoint before fleeing in a white Hyundai Verna car.
Investigators later discovered that the vehicle was carrying a fake registration number plate to avoid detection.
Special Teams Formed for Investigation
Following the incident, Talcher Police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Arms Act.
Under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police, Anugola, five special teams were immediately formed to investigate the case.
Police analysed CCTV footage from multiple locations, gathered technical intelligence and launched an extensive search operation to trace the suspects.
High-Speed Chase Ends Near Chuliapur Jungle
During the investigation, officers tracked the suspect vehicle moving along National Highway-55 towards Sambalpur.
Police stations across Anugola district were alerted, and intensive vehicle checking was conducted at strategic points.
As law enforcement closed in, the accused allegedly abandoned their vehicle near Chuliapur jungle under Handapa Police Station limits and attempted to escape on foot.
Police Encounter During Jungle Operation
A police team pursued the suspects into the forest area.
According to officials, the accused allegedly opened fire at police personnel during the operation. In response, officers carried out controlled retaliatory firing in self-defence to protect the lives of the team members.
Two accused, identified as Sachin Gajge and Prakash Madne, both residents of Maharashtra, sustained bullet injuries to their legs during the exchange of fire.
They were immediately disarmed and shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for medical treatment.
Four Accused Arrested
Police successfully apprehended four accused during the operation.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Sachin Gajge
- Prakash Madne
- Rajesh Madne
- Deba Prabhakar Lokhande
All four accused are reported to be residents of Maharashtra.
Looted Gold and Weapons Recovered
During the operation, police recovered and seized most of the stolen gold and silver ornaments.
Authorities also seized:
- Two country-made firearms
- Live ammunition
- The Hyundai Verna car allegedly used in the crime
The recovery is being viewed as a significant achievement considering the speed at which the investigation was completed.
Search Continues for Absconding Accused
Police have confirmed that efforts are underway to trace another accused who remains absconding.
Investigators are also examining whether additional individuals were involved in planning or executing the robbery.
Further investigation is continuing to uncover the full extent of the criminal network behind the crime.
Major Boost for Law Enforcement
The swift detection of the robbery case and the recovery of stolen valuables highlight the coordinated efforts of Anugola Police and multiple law enforcement units involved in the operation.
Officials stated that the investigation remains active and additional arrests may follow as new evidence emerges.
The successful operation has been hailed as a major breakthrough in combating organised crime and ensuring public safety in the district.
