Female criminals are increasingly targeting crowded public spaces, transit systems, and temples in the capital city. In a major crackdown, the Nayapalli Police arrested seven female robbers on Friday across two separate cases, sending them to judicial custody for their involvement in organized theft networks.
Police busted a highly organized inter-state gang of female pickpockets operating on the ‘AMA Bus’ transit network and in bustling markets. The gang created artificial crowds to distract commuters before seamlessly stealing mobile phones and cash from pockets and vanity bags.
Acting on a tip-off on Friday morning, a police team—assisted by female officers—intercepted five women near the Jayadev Vihar bus stop as they attempted to sell stolen devices. The accused, hailing from the Gondia region of Maharashtra and temporarily residing in Jagatpur, Cuttack, confessed to the crimes during interrogation.
- Arrested Individuals: Halka Briraj Sende (40), Geeta Kamble (50), Rasika Sharma Dunadi (45), Vidya Govind Sende (35), and Sarika Suresa Sharma Kamble (52).
- Items Recovered: 10 stolen high-end Android mobile phones concealed in two cloth bags.
ISKCON Temple Gold Snatching
In a separate incident during the heavy Janmashtami rush at the local ISKCON temple, two women from Puri district were arrested for snatching a gold chain. The victim, the daughter of Akshay Kumar Sathua, lost her gold chain and locket while navigating the temple crowd.
Following a formal complaint, Nayapalli Police analyzed temple CCTV footage to identify the suspects. The police successfully tracked and apprehended the two women near CRP Square just as they were attempting to sell the stolen gold ornaments.
Modus Operandi
According to the Commissionerate Police, these female gang members blend seamlessly into crowds, posing as regular passengers, shoppers, or devotees. Using rapid diversion tactics, they snatch valuables in the blink of an eye and utilize local brokers to sell the stolen goods. Preliminary investigations indicate that several inter-state criminals are renting temporary accommodations in the city to execute these operations.
The police are heavily monitoring public transit and temporary settlements following a surge in similar complaints, including instances of thieves posing as domestic workers.
