In a significant crackdown, Odisha Police on Saturday arrested Saanat Rohidas (52), alias Rusu, from Jharsuguda, and Ananta Luhura (35), alias Dharam, from Telendihi in Sundargarh district, for their involvement in a large-scale motorcycle theft ring spanning multiple districts in western Odisha.
The duo was apprehended on Friday near Jhadheswar temple in Jharsuguda, while moving suspiciously on a stolen motorbike. The vehicle was confirmed to belong to Priyanshu Tiwari, who had filed a theft complaint on April 27.
Upon interrogation, both suspects confessed to stealing motorcycles from a range of areas including Jharsuguda, Jharsuguda Sadar, airport, Laikera, Badmal, Brajarajnagar, Belpahar, Bhasma in Sundargarh, and Thelkoloi under Sambalpur district.
They stored the stolen bikes in an abandoned house in a jungle near Purna village, planning to smuggle them out of state for resale.
So far, the police have recovered 42 stolen motorcycles, and are currently verifying the suspects’ involvement in at least 28 registered theft cases. Authorities believe the racket may have broader connections, and further investigation is underway.
