Swift and decisive action by the Uditnagar Police on Thursday successfully foiled a major robbery attempt targeting a prominent Tanishq jewellery showroom in Raurkela.
Five individuals were taken into custody along with an array of illegal firearms, sharp weapons, and burglary equipment.
Midnight Tip-off Leads to Raid
The crackdown unfolded following a specific intelligence input received by the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Uditnagar Police Station. Reports indicated that a group of suspicious men had assembled under a peepal tree near the railway siding in the Malgodown area. The suspects were reportedly consuming alcohol while preparing to commit a grave crime armed with dangerous weapons and break-in tools.
Acting swiftly on the instructions of the IIC, a specialized police team—comprising Sub-Inspector Bhagirathi Rana, Assistant Sub-Inspector Debendra Munda, CI Havildar K. Jaipuria, Constable Saroj Kumar Nag, and OAPF personnel Rohit Kishan—raided the location and rounded up the suspects.
Chilling Heist Plot Uncovered
During interrogation, the suspects confessed that they had gathered to finalize plans for a lucrative robbery at the Tanishq jewelry showroom operating under the Uditnagar police jurisdiction.
The five arrested individuals have been identified as Chandan Singh, Gandu alias Rohit Naik, Bhakunda alias Biswajit Prasad, Sumit Soy, and Chandan Yadav.
All five accused are residents of the area under Uditnagar Police Station in Sundergarh district.
Weapons, Burglary Tools, and Supplies Seized
Police seized a significant stash of arms and operational tools from the spot, including:
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One country-made pistol, a magazine, and one live 7.65mm cartridge
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Iron rods, knives, a sword, a hacksaw blade, a screwdriver, and pliers
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Five black face masks, two packets of chilli powder, and three flashlights
Additionally, officers recovered four water bottles, five opened bottles of Kingfisher Strong Premium Beer (650ml each), disposable glasses, and open packets of snacks, confirming their presence at the scene ahead of the planned strike.
Link to Previous Theft Uncovered
Further interrogation revealed that members of the gang were also involved in prior criminal activities. Gandu alias Rohit Naik admitted that he and his accomplice, Bhaji, had recently burglarized a home in Ambedkar Nagar under Basanti Colony, stealing an LED television, a water pump, a mobile phone, and a Bharat gas cylinder.
A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway to trace any broader network or additional accomplices linked to the gang.
