Balangir: Police arrested four persons and detained a minor for allegedly robbing a couple of gold jewellery worth over Rs 5 lakh near Ghunsar College Square in Balangir district. The mastermind of the robbery was identified as the victim’s part-time driver.
The accused have been identified as Bidya Shankar Sahu (24), the driver, Pintu Sahu (19), Pintu Sahu (21), Chintamani Sahu (19), and a minor. All suspects hail from villages under Saintala police station limits.
The incident occurred on March 8 when Pandaba Padhan and his wife were returning from a marriage party in Balangir. Bidya Shankar, whom Padhan had hired temporarily as his regular driver was on leave, stopped the vehicle near College Square where four armed accomplices intercepted them.
The gang threatened the couple at gunpoint and snatched two gold necklaces and a chain weighing around 50 grams. They fled when the victim’s wife raised an alarm, leading locals to gather, who immediately informed the police.
“Through swift investigation, we established the driver’s involvement and arrested all suspects from nearby areas,” said inspector in-charge of Saintala police station, Sushanta Badhei. “The court rejected their bail pleas and remanded them in judicial custody.”
Police recovered all stolen jewellery, though some pieces were damaged. Other seized items include a country-made gun, two motorcycles and four mobile phones.