Rourkela Police arrested five armed youths during a late-night patrol, foiling an alleged plan to commit dacoity near Congress Bhawan at Nayabazar.
The operation took place during the intervening night of May 29 and 30, 2026, under the leadership of Sub-Inspector B.B. Khatei and Plantsite Police Station staff.
Acting on reliable intelligence, the police team raided a secluded spot and apprehended the suspects while they prepared to target passersby, houses, shops, and a petrol pump. Officers seized two iron swords, one bhujali, and two iron rods from the group.
The accused were identified as Sonu Singh alias Tundi (20), Deepak Sandha alias Sanbabu (29), Vicky Ahmed alias Rocky (24), Sahid Khan alias Sahil (19), and Krishna Das alias Khepa (19). Police confirmed that some of them had prior criminal records, including robbery, theft, assault, and Arms Act offences.
Past cases linked to the accused include Plantsite PS Case No. 89/2020 under Section 394 IPC, Case No. 36/2022 under Section 379 IPC, Case No. 354/2022 under Section 382 IPC, Case No. 520/2024 under Sections 294, 323, and 341 IPC, and Case No. 1033/2025 under Sections 310(4), 310(5) BNS and Section 25(1-A) of the Arms Act.
Police forwarded all five accused to court after the arrest. Officials said the swift intervention prevented a serious crime and reinforced preventive policing measures in Rourkela.
