Vikash Sharma

After shocking visuals of groups of teenagers roaming freely in the streets while brandishing guns and other weapons created a furore and fears in the minds of residents in Bhubaneswar, the Commissionerate Police on Monday arrested two more youths alleged to be members of a newly formed criminal gang, called. ‘KBN’ is an abbreviation for the self styled ‘Koi Bhai Nahi’.

The total number of arrests of the members of the notorious gang made on the basis of disclosures made from the viral video has gone up to seven so far.

Apart from this, the police today bulldozed the house of Chenga, a member of the gang, following information that illegal firearms were stored in it. Bhubaneswar DCP Umashankar Dash today said cases have been registered against 29 members of the KBN gang so far.

“Earlier, we had arrested five persons who are now lodged in jail. Today two more have been arrested. A hunt has been launched to track down others who are presently absconding,” said Dash.

According to Dash, the viral video in which some teenagers were seen brandishing weapons and using narcotics had invoked fear in the minds of people. The video was shot on different days and uploaded on Instagram. The investigation was carried out on the basis of the viral video.

A separate case has been registered in connection with another video at the Nayapalli police station. Preliminary investigation reveals that the group mainly consists of youngsters who would meet at scheduled place before creating public nuisance.

“We had earlier appealed people to report if they were victims of extortion or other crimes by this group. We assure people that their names will be kept secret if they pass on information to police about the gang members. Stern action will be taken against the group members,” said Dash.

Dash said already clear instructions have been issued to police stations across the Smart City to intensify patrolling during evening hours where youngsters assemble for ‘Khatti’ (road-side gossip sessions).

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