In a significant development in the daring armed robbery at the Bank of Maharashtra’s Barbil branch, Odisha and Jharkhand police have arrested two accused in Dhanbad and recovered part of the looted gold.
The robbers had stormed the bank’s strong room at gunpoint, looting Rs 4,38,700 in cash and 155 packets containing 6.4 kilograms of gold. In their haste, the gang left behind 51 packets of customers’ gold, indicating panic during the crime.
Following the incident, Barbil police registered Case No. 29/26 under Section 310(2) BNS and Sections 25/27 of the Arms Act. A special team led by Keonjhar Additional Superintendent of Police Pratyush Mohapatra travelled to Dhanbad and, in coordination with local police, conducted raids in Sindri and Nirsa areas.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Raja Kumar Singh (27), originally from Jamui, Bihar, and currently residing in Chasnala, Dhanbad, and Kunal Raj Verma (33), a resident of Nirsa, Dhanbad. Police recovered 288 grams of gold, two Scorpio vehicles, and four Android mobile phones from them.
Investigation revealed that the duo played supporting roles—one as a driver and the other as a purchaser of the stolen gold—for the main gang.
While the arrests mark a major breakthrough, the six prime accused remain at large. Multiple police teams are continuing search operations.
After being brought back to Barbil, the arrested suspects were taken in a road march to the police station, a step appreciated by local residents.
Barbil SDPO Devendra Nath Pingua stated that police teams are working round the clock and expressed confidence that the remaining culprits will soon be apprehended.
