TV
In a dramatic breakthrough, Tamando police uncovered a high-profile bike theft gang in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
The mastermind behind the gang, dubbed ‘Bullet Raja’, was reportedly living a lavish life funded entirely by the resale of stolen motorcycles, particularly Bullets.
Crime trail
The case unfolded following an investigation to trace a stolen bike from Kalinga Vihar area. Investigating the lead, the Tamando Police arrested five individuals including the key accused Manish Patnaik and Baburao Acharya.
Following interrogation and follow-up raids, police seized 11 high-end bikes, most of them Bullets and several expensive motorbikes.
Their modus operandi was simple but effective—targeting vehicles without double locks, mainly parked in low-security zones. The gang operated across the city, swiftly lifting bikes and selling them off or using them for personal indulgence.
Public reaction: From hope to celebration
Residents who had lost their prized two-wheelers were reportedly ecstatic after police returned their stolen bikes.
Some expressed heartfelt gratitude to the police, while others even fulfilled vows made to deities—one reportedly shaved his beard in celebration, a symbolic gesture of joy and relief.
The bust serves as a strong message to organized crime and a reminder for citizens to prioritize vehicle security.
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"Thanks to Tamando Police, I got back my theft bike. I had prayed to God and vowed to shave my beard in celebration if I get back my bike. I am ecstatic and grateful to God and the police," said Badal Patra, a victim.
"Following the arrest of the main accused Manish Patnaik and Baburao Acharya and their interrogation, the other gang members were arrested and the stolen bikes in their possession were seized," said Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena.
