In a major breakthrough under ‘Operation Netra’, the Jharsuguda Police have dismantled an inter-district tyre theft racket, arresting four individuals involved in the burglary of a tyre shop in Badmal.
Authorities recovered a large quantity of stolen tyres, batteries, and vehicles used in the crime during the operation.
The case was registered at Badmal Police Station on October 8, 2025, under Sections 331(4)/305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following a complaint by Nilesh Mundra, proprietor of M/s Mundra Tyres near Biju Patnaik Chowk, Badmal. Mundra reported that miscreants had broken the back window of his shop on the night of October 6–7 and stolen tyres and batteries.
The investigation, supervised by the Superintendent of Police, Jharsuguda, involved analyzing CCTV footage, tracking mobile numbers, and examining the modus operandi of known criminals in Jharsuguda and nearby districts.
The accused had allegedly surveyed the shop in advance and executed the theft using a pick-up van and truck, stealing 65 tyres and two batteries before fleeing via State Highway 10.
The arrested individuals are:
Ganesh alias Ketan Sahoo (37) – Nuahata, Angul district
Md Wasim (29) – Muzaffarpur, Bihar (residing in Angul)
Chan Ali (42) – Samastipur, Bihar (residing in Angul)
Md Rasid (43) – Begusarai, Bihar (residing in Angul)
Police recovered:
56 new truck tyres (Apollo, JK, MRF, BKT)
25 used tyres (CEAT, Apollo, Bridgestone) for cars, scooters, and bikes
2 Exide batteries
4 mobile phones
Vehicles: Ashok Leyland truck, Mahindra Bolero pick-up, Maruti Suzuki Brezza (OD-02-CB-9097)
The arrested accused are being produced in court, while further investigation continues to trace additional members of the theft network.
