Paralakhemundi police arrested two men on Sunday for their involvement in multiple burglaries across the town, recovering gold, silver, cash, and foreign currency.
The accused were identified as Durga Prasad Benia (28), an electrical meter reader with TPSODL, and Deba Mandal (35), both residents of Kandra Street, Paralakhemundi.
According to Gajapati SP Jatindra Kumar Panda, the investigation began after a burglary at the residence of senior journalist Dwijendra Nath Padhy on December 13, 2025, followed by another theft at a jewellery shop on December 27. Similarities in the modus operandi led police to form a special investigation team comprising officers from Paralakhemundi and Gurandi Police Stations.
Using technological tools and field intelligence, police traced the suspects to a total of four burglaries. During the operation, they recovered foreign currency, including US dollars and Sri Lankan rupees, along with 10 tolas of gold (2 tolas from Muthoot Fincorp Gold Bank), 9 kg of silver worth approximately Rs25 lakh, and cash amounting to Rs33,000.
Investigation revealed that Durga Prasad Benia exploited his door-to-door access as a meter reader to identify locked houses and shops, which he and Deba Mandal subsequently burgled. Some of the stolen gold had been mortgaged at gold finance banks, though certain institutions failed to follow proper verification procedures.
Police also seized two mobile phones, a motorcycle, a scooter, and house-breaking tools such as a crowbar and hand screwdriver. The remaining 2 tolas of gold mortgaged at Indian Overseas Bank, Paralakhemundi, is expected to be retrieved soon.
SP Panda urged residents to remain vigilant and adopt neighbourhood watch practices, particularly during extended absences, to prevent similar crimes.
