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A series of thefts occurred in the Puincha village under the Baideshwar police station limits in Banki of Cuttack district on Saturday night. During the heist, miscreants reportedly looted as many as five houses and decamped with gold jewellery worth several lakhs of rupees and cash.
Sources reported that the incident took place last night when villagers had gathered at a temple courtyard for the traditional Jagara Jatra (festive fair). The thieves struck at a time when loudspeakers were on and carried out the brazen attack.
When and how did the theft happen?
Locals, whose homes were looted, stated that the thefts likely occurred between 12:30 to 1 am, at about the same time when a drama performance involving the village residents was ongoing. The miscreants reportedly broke open several locks and even cut through the iron latches to smash open the doors.
As most of the villagers were outside to witness the fair, the thieves took advantage of the situation and systematically targeted one house after another.
Police response:
Upon learning about the incident, the Baideshwar police arrived at the scene and initiated an investigation. Till the last reports came in, no trace of the culprits had been found, and police have not offered any comments on the matter.
Recent loot cases:
The nature of the loots comes amid a growing pattern of robberies and loots across the state in recent times. Less than ten days ago, miscreants had looted a house in Khordha before setting it on fire.
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In that incident, the culprits reportedly broke a steel grill to enter the house and broke upon the locker, stealing gold ornaments worth lakhs of rupees, along with Rs 50,000 in cash.
