Hirakud (Odisha): In a major breakthrough, Hirakud police have solved a high-value theft case, recovering gold and silver ornaments worth Rs15 lakh and Rs7.97 lakh in cash. The total value of the recovered property is estimated at Rs23 lakh, officials said on Sunday.
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime:
Sanjay Pradhan (42) of HBL Colony
Shiv Shankar Jena (42) of ITI Gujatal area
Prashant Kumar Barik (39) of Substation Colony
All three hail from the Hirakud area in Sambalpur district.
According to Sambalpur SP Mukesh Bhamoo, the trio fled to Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, after committing the theft. The stolen items were handed over to Prashant Barik, who was instructed to return to Sambalpur after a month.
Notably, Sanjay Pradhan has eight previous criminal cases registered against him.
The robbery occurred in the early hours of July 24, at the residence of Rajendra Kumar Swain in SDO Colony under Hirakud police limits. The culprits broke in around 5 a.m., while the family was asleep, and escaped with cash and jewellery.
Swain immediately lodged a complaint, prompting a week-long investigation by the police. Acting swiftly, the team traced the movement of the accused, leading to their arrest and recovery of the stolen assets.
All three have been produced in court, and further investigation is ongoing to verify if the gang is linked to other unsolved thefts in the region.
