Blot on khaki: 2 home guards among 5 arrested for loot in Odisha’s Koraput

In a major embarrassment for Odisha police, two home guards and a ‘gram rakhi’ were arrested along with two others on charges of looting Rs 1.15 lakh cash from two people hailing from Andhra Pradesh.

The incident took place when the two from Andhra Pradesh were reportedly on their way to Jeypore to buy a power tiller. The accused home guards are currently deployed at Padua police station in Koraput district.

Shockingly, the mastermind of the gang is a former samiti member, reports said.

According to the police, two men from Andhra Pradesh were on their way to Jeypore to buy a power tiller. Due to excess heat, they decided to take rest in a rest shed. Meanwhile, the five accused reached the spot in a car and assaulted them.

Before they could understand anything, the five beat them up, snatched all their money and fled the spot. Based on a complaint by the two men, Nandapur police had registered a case and launched a manhunt to nab the culprits.

During the probe, the investigating team ascertained the involvement of the home guards and made the arrests. 

Briefing the media, Nandapur SDPO Sanjay Mahapatra said, “This was definitely a challenging task and very saddening at the same time. Out of the five accused, three are our staff including two home guards and a ‘gram rakhi’. The two other accused are local criminals who were previously involved in cases of ganja smuggling, extortion and loots.”

“But, the law is equal for all, be it home guards, policemen, advocates, politicians, journalists or some professional criminals. Strict action will be taken as per law,” Mahapatra added.