Bhubaneswar, June 18: In a major anti-crime operation, Talcher police successfully foiled the escape of a gang involved in a high-value jewellery robbery and arrested four accused, including two who sustained injuries during an exchange of fire with police in Angul district. The encounter took place on Wednesday evening near Chuliapur forest under the jurisdiction of Handapa Police Station.
According to police sources, the gang had allegedly carried out a daring robbery at Balaji Gold Refinery in Hatatota, Talcher, on Tuesday evening. Armed with firearms, the accused reportedly looted around 230 grams of gold, 60 grams of gold ornaments and 700 grams of silver ornaments from the establishment. The criminals also allegedly abducted an employee of the refinery at gunpoint before fleeing from the spot.
Following the incident, Talcher police launched a massive manhunt based on specific intelligence inputs. Police teams tracked the accused to the Chuliapur forest area, where they attempted to intercept them. During the operation, the suspects allegedly opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire between the police and the robbers.
Two accused from Maharashtra, identified as Sachin Gajge and Prakash Madane, sustained bullet injuries to their legs during the encounter. Police personnel immediately overpowered and disarmed them before shifting them to the District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.
Two other gang members, Rajesh Madane and Deva Prabhakar Lokhande, were arrested at the scene. During the operation, police recovered the entire quantity of the looted gold and silver ornaments, two country-made pistols, live ammunition and the vehicle allegedly used in the crime.
However, one member of the gang managed to escape and remains absconding. Police have intensified search operations to apprehend the fugitive and are investigating whether the gang has links to similar crimes in Odisha and other states. Officials described the operation as a significant success in combating organised criminal activities and ensuring public safety in the region.
About the Author
