Balasore: Hyderabad crime branch personnel in collaboration with Kamarda police, recovered around ₹20 lakh from a manure pile in Balasore district, on Saturday. The money was allegedly stolen from an agro company in Hyderabad on Nov 11.
The prime suspect, Gopal Behera, an employee of the company from Bhograi village in Balasore district allegedly orchestrated the theft during a three-day bank holiday. According to police officials, Behera disabled the CCTV cameras before stealing ₹20,80,670 from the office locker.
“The suspect was temporarily handling accounting responsibilities while the regular accountant was on leave,” said Kumar Boda, head constable, Hyderabad crime branch. “He had access to the locker’s secret code and had prepared a duplicate key,” he added.
Investigation revealed that Behera transferred the stolen money to his brother-in-law, Rajendra Behera, in Hyderabad’s Nampally area. Rajendra then transported the cash to Badamandaruni village and concealed it in a manure pile near his residence.
The theft came to light when the company filed a complaint with Hyderabad crime branch. CCTV footage analysis led investigators to suspect Gopal Behera’s involvement. While Gopal remains at large, authorities have detained Rajendra Behera in Hyderabad. Police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the primary suspect.