INTERSTATE ROBBERY GANG BUSTED IN KEONJHAR: Three Jharkhand Criminals and Jewellers Nabbed, Loot Recovered

Keonjhar, (OT Webdesk) – In a major breakthrough against a rising wave of chain-snatching and thefts in the Keonjhar district, a special police team has successfully dismantled an interstate robbery syndicate operating across Barbil, Champua, and nearby regions.

Acting on the instructions of SP Keonjhar, a targeted operation was launched under the leadership of Barbil IIC Ashok Kumar Nayak, which led to the arrest of three hardened criminals from Jharkhand.

Based on rigorous technical and physical analysis, the team identified three culprits—Rajendra Pingua, Saroj Keshari, and Deepak Gope—all residents of Jharkhand.

Acting swiftly on a tip-off, police conducted a raid in the Gadhahatting area of Barbil and apprehended the trio.

Criminal Confessions and Modus Operandi
During interrogation, the accused admitted to orchestrating multiple robberies—three in Joda, five in Barbil, and one in Champua.

Their primary targets were elderly individuals whom they assaulted early in the morning or late evening, snatching gold chains and ornaments.

Further investigation revealed that the looted jewellery was being sold to a shop named Shiv Shakti Jewellers in the Baghbera area of Jharkhand.

Promptly, the police team extended the operation and arrested the shop owner Shiv Prakash Prasad and his aide Rajendra Prasad.

A substantial cache of stolen goods was recovered from their possession.

Seized Items Include:
– One Honda Shine bike (Registration: JH05-BN-9266)
– Gold ornaments weighing 29.530 grams
– Silver ornaments weighing 3681.27 grams (3 kilograms, 681 grams, and 270 milligrams)

Impact and Response
The swift and strategic action by Keonjhar police has sent a strong message to criminal networks, instilling fear among offenders and restoring faith among the public.

SP Keonjhar commended the team’s coordination and vigilance, while Barbil SDPO Devendra Nath Pingua, in a press briefing, highlighted the operation as a significant crackdown on organised crime.

Police affirmed that more such coordinated actions will continue to ensure law and order across the district.