Major Crime Bust: 13 Arrested in Odisha's Gold Chain Snatching Ring

Police Crack Down on Interstate Crime Syndicate

Keonjhar: Authorities have dismantled an organized crime syndicate operating across state lines, apprehending 13 individuals linked to numerous gold chain thefts and other property crimes throughout Odisha and adjacent regions.

The investigation was initiated following a complaint regarding a chain snatching incident reported by Gayatri Patra on July 16, close to DN High School in Keonjhar.

Police officials revealed that the suspects were part of a well-known gang involved in various criminal activities, including theft and robbery, spanning multiple states. According to Srikanta Sahu, IIC of the Keonjhar Town police station, a team led by Sub-Inspector Dillip Kumar Murmu successfully arrested the suspects after conducting raids in several locations.

The gang operated from bases in Dasamania, Mundamala, and Purbakote in Jajpur district, extending their criminal network to states such as West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Chhattisgarh.

Authorities confiscated eight motorcycles, empty liquor bottles, plastic cups, and other items associated with their criminal activities. Notably, the gang executed nine chain snatching incidents within a mere 90 minutes on July 16.

The suspects reportedly transported the stolen gold back to their home villages for distribution. They admitted to being involved in over 200 property crimes, operating in a highly organized manner, utilizing fast motorcycles, and specifically targeting women during evening hours. All suspects were presented before the SDJM Court in Keonjhar on July 24.