After a brief gap, Cuttack witnessed a major crime in which unidentified miscreants allegedly looted gold ornaments and cash from a businessman on Wednesday. The incident occurred near Matagajpur level crossing.
As per initial reports, 5 to 6 bike-borne miscreants intercepted the businessman near the level crossing and looted the gold ornaments and cash by resorting to blank firing.
Sources said that the miscreants initially tried to snatch the bag from the businessman who tried to resist them. A tussle was also reported by the businessman and the miscreants who later fired some shots at him. However, the businessman had a close shave as the bullets did not hit him. Two empty bullet shells have been recovered from the spot by police.
It is suspected that the miscreants have been watching the movements of the businessman since long. As the incident occurred ahead of the festive season, the local residents have expressed apprehension over existing security measures by the Commissionerate Police.
Cuttack DCP, Pinak Mishra said, "Some miscreants have looted gold ornaments and cash from a businessman. Police team have rushed to the spot for the collection of evidence. We are on the job to ascertain the involvement of the miscreants in this case."
Mishra further said only after the complainant registers a case, the exact amount of valuables looted can be ascertained.
"The special teams at police station levels and special squad carry out regular drives against extortion and other crimes. As the Puja season is approaching, we are taking preventive measures like booking habitual offenders," Mishra added.