Rayagada Police have busted an inter-district bike theft gang, arresting three key members and recovering 22 stolen vehicles—including 21 motorcycles and one auto-rickshaw.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Rayagada Superintendent of Police (SP) Raj Prasad detailed the successful operation carried out by a special police team.
According to police sources, the gang had been actively operating in Rayagada district and nearby regions for over a year. Using a Bajaj Maxima Mega auto-rickshaw (AP 39 WK 2770), the gang members scouted various neighbourhoods to conduct reconnaissance. Upon spotting unattended vehicles, they stole them and stored them in hidden spaces behind their houses or other covert locations before selling them at cheap prices to unsuspecting buyers.
Following multiple complaints, a special investigation team was formed under the leadership of Rayagada SDPO Gourahari Sahu and Rayagada Town Police Station IIC Keshab Sadangi.
To catch the criminals, the police laid a trap by leaking information that a buyer in the Parvathipuram area was looking to purchase a second-hand motorcycle. Taking the bait, one gang member contacted the undercover team and was apprehended on the spot. His interrogation led to the arrest of two other accomplices.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
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Simanchal Mahanandia (28) of Guakona, Chandili PS, Rayagada
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Rajeswar Nagabansa (28) of Utkapadu, Chandili PS, Rayagada
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Pradeep Chandibansa (26) of Guakona Gauda Sahi, Chandili PS, Rayagada
Preliminary investigations reveal that the trio operated primarily across Parvathipuram, Gunupur, Gudari, Kenduguda, Muniguda, Ramanaguda, Rayagada, and Gumuda. The gang has at least eight pending criminal cases registered against them across various police stations, including Rayagada, Gudari, Padmapur, Gunupur, Ramanaguda, and Parvathipuram Town.
All three accused have been forwarded to court as police continue their investigation to trace other potential associates linked to the network. Efforts are also underway to identify the rightful owners of the 22 recovered vehicles.
Meanwhile, Rayagada Police have issued an advisory urging the public to thoroughly verify registration certificates, ownership documents, and vehicle credentials before purchasing second-hand vehicles.
