In a significant breakthrough, Nayagarh police arrested four suspects involved in a daring robbery at the Indian Bank in Mandhatapur, under Nayagarh Sadar police station, on Friday, July 4, 2025.
The arrests come just two days after the heist, which took place on July 2, 2025, at 5:15 PM, when six masked robbers armed with pistols and other weapons stormed the bank, terrorized staff, and fled with ₹27 lakh in cash.
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The police recovered ₹20,86,050, a country-made pistol, and two motorcycles used in the crime. The arrested individuals, identified as professional criminals with prior cases across Odisha, are Sagar Maharana (26, Itapada, Jagatsinghpur), Pramod Nayak alias Matal (21, Bhogar, Daspalla), Kartik Barad (50, Lathipada, Itamati), and Purnachandra Prusty (50, Jemadeipur Patana, Sadar). Their criminal records span multiple police stations in the state, including Bhubaneswar.
According to the bank manager, Sunil Kumar Sahu, the robbers, with faces covered by handkerchiefs and helmets, entered the bank, brandished weapons, and intimidated employees before escaping with the cash.
Acting on the complaint, a police team led by the Nayagarh SDPO promptly launched an investigation. Information revealed that the robbers fled towards Ranpur on three motorcycles. A police unit from Ranpur, led by the Inspector-in-Charge, set up a blockade between Baunsagad and Gaurangpur. One motorcycle broke down at Baunsagad, forcing the robbers to abandon it. With the help of local villagers, police apprehended Sagar Maharana and Pramod Nayak near Lembodi village, recovering ₹20,86,050, a pistol, and a motorcycle (registration OD 02 CD 6543). Another motorcycle (OD 02 CD 2492) was seized at Baunsagad.
Further investigation, including analysis of Sagar’s phone, led to the arrest of Kartik Barad and Purnachandra Prusty, who were also involved in the crime. The police are still searching for the remaining two suspects who escaped. All four arrested individuals have been produced in court.
This swift police action has been praised by locals, though the incident has raised concerns about security in rural bank branches.
The investigation continues to uncover any additional links to other criminal activities in the region.
