Balangir police have cracked a bizarre theft case, arresting nine accused — including a minor — who allegedly broke into a locked house and used it for days of revelry.
The gang was nabbed from Kharselpada’s Nehru Nagar area after the homeowner reported suspicious activity.
According to Lakshmijore Police Station Officer Sanjay Sahu, the accused include Bulu Patel, Kahna Patel, Manish Thapa, Manish Kumar Seth, Bablu Sabar, Manas Patel, Ajit Bariha, Rajendra Parabhu, and a 17-year-old minor. All are aged between 19 and 20 years.
Police recovered stolen items including a television, refrigerator, generator, gas stove, gas cylinder, Aquaguard, ceiling fans, and electrical boards. The minor was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, while the other eight were sent to court.
The theft occurred when homeowner Reshmadebi Mallik was away in Kandhamal for work. Taking advantage of her absence, the gang broke into her three-storey house, stole valuables, and occupied the premises. When she returned, she found the house locked from inside and alerted police.
Officers broke open the door and caught three accused on the spot, while others tried to flee by jumping from the roof. After interrogation, police traced and arrested all nine, recovering the stolen property.
