Amid several reports of pickpocketing in the public transport system 'Mo Bus' in Bhubaneswar, the Commissionerate Police on Friday claimed to have arrested two members of a theft gang behind the crime.
As per initial reports, the two arrested persons have been identified as Sanjay Singh and Ganesh Pradhan. Stolen mobile phones, laptops, cash, and money purses have been seized from their possession.
Speaking to the media, DCP Prateek Singh said, “There were several instances of mobile phone, money, daily essentials and purse loots inside Mo Buses in the Twin Cities in the last few days. Teams of Bhubaneswar police were having a headache busting the loot gang. Now, the police team of Shahid Nagar has successfully busted the gang called the ‘Banjaraa’ or ‘Kela’ gang .”
“The kingpins of the gang have been identified as Sanjay Singh and Ganesh Pradhan , both from Jajpur. They have a huge group comprising women and children. Their modus operandi is that they first surround a passenger from all sides. Later, one of them removes the mobile phone or money purse before they flee and target another victim.”
“Similarly, they search for houses early in the morning and loot from there. They also operate in crowded places like malls and vegetable markets. After committing the crimes, they take shelter in isolated houses and school buildings. They stay away throughout the year and only come to cities during festive seasons.”
“We have recovered 15 mobile phones from their possession, including two mobiles of RD College Girls. They were also involved in the loot of Rs 15L from a cancer patient and we have recovered the money. We also have recovered many laptops and bags.”
Further investigation is on and we have identified all the members. The remaining absconders will be arrested soon, the DCP concluded.