In a swift operation, Jharsuguda Airport police arrested four individuals involved in an armed robbery near the Biju Expressway in Saletikra. The robbery took place on August 25, when a night watchman was attacked and robbed.
The arrested men have been identified as Manoj Barik (27) of Bandhbahal, and Sunil Yadav alias Nanu (23), Suraj Pancham (19), and Shibam Paswan (20) — all residents of Rampur, Brajrajnagar. Acting under the direction of SP G Raghavendra Reddy, a special team tracked the accused within 24 hours of the complaint being lodged.
According to the police, victim Ramu Kisan (35) was on duty at an under-construction showroom when three men attacked him around 1 AM. He was slapped and threatened at gunpoint and with a knife-like weapon. The assailants stole his mobile phone and motorcycle.
Police recovered both the stolen items during the arrests. It was revealed that the main accused, Manoj Barik, is a habitual criminal with at least 14 previous cases, including one for murder at Banharpali police station.
All four accused are now in police custody, and further investigation is underway.
