Police foiled a robbery attempt in Nabarangpur district when three men disguised themselves as police officers and tried to loot a fertiliser truck.
On Sunday night, around 10 p.m., Durga Prasad Jena drove his truck loaded with fertiliser from Tumbarla in Papadahandi towards Umerkote. Near Dabugaon road, close to Sindhiguda village, three men on a bike blocked the truck. They introduced themselves as police and demanded documents. They then forced the driver to a nearby ground and assaulted him with chains and sticks.
The driver pleaded for mercy, but the attackers continued their assault. At that moment, a patrolling vehicle from Maidalpur police station passed by. Officers noticed suspicious activity and stopped to question the driver. He explained the situation, and the police immediately intervened.
Police arrested two accused, identified as Tulasi Harijan and Nimanata Pangi, from Gadabakatara Panchayat. The third accused, Prabhas Besra, escaped under the cover of darkness. Police seized chains and sticks used in the attack.
Station Officer Bipin Kumar Kuldeep confirmed that the police registered Case No. 117/25 under relevant sections and produced the arrested men in court. The court remanded them to custody. Police continue searching for the absconding accused.
The incident shocked locals, as the attackers pretended to be police to commit robbery. Authorities assured strict action and emphasised vigilance against such crimes.
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