Bhubaneswar: Launching a massive crackdown on chain and mobile snatchers, anti-social dens, drug peddlers, and habitual burglars, capital police arrested 11 people in connection with different crimes in the past 48 hours.
City residents have been demanding strong action against miscreants ever since house breaks and burglaries recurred. Last week, burglars targeted a house at Ganesh Vihar in Infocity, decamping with 200 grams of gold. A theft in a temple was reported from Balipatna. Besides, snatching and drug peddling were also reported.
“Under our safe city drive, we have formed teams of efficient police personnel to patrol the city and rein in the miscreants. We are keeping an eye on the activities of all habitual offenders and history-sheeters so that petty criminal activities are curbed. The special team cracks the whip on ‘khati’ (gossip) places at night where anti-socials gather for open drinking,” said DCP Pinak Mishra.
The 11 people arrested in connection with different cases are Manoranjan Jena, 24, of Badagada, Sagar Naik, 24, Ranjan Kumar Sahu, 29, Pravat Jena, 31, Rabjan Kumar Guru, 21, Balia Gouda, 32, Prafulla Naik, 22, Santosh Kumar Jena, 25, Prasant Kumar Das, 26, Mir Ashif Ishaq, 33 and one juvenile.
DCP Mishra said five were arrested for snatching, five for night robbery and loot, and three for contraband (ganja and marijuana) peddling. “On Saturday, we recovered stolen items like three gold chains and bangles, a four-wheeler, two bicycles, 20 mobile phones, Rs 22,000 cash, and one vanity bag with important documents of an individual,” Mishra added.
Residents heaved a sigh of relief after the arrests of the 11 criminals. “Many petty crimes are taking place in every locality. Regular police patrolling and recovery of stolen items from them will break their spine and also work as a deterrent. Also, it was seen in the recent past that criminals from outside the state were active. There should be a separate database of such criminals,” said Binay Panigrahi, a resident.
On Sept 11, burglars stole half a kg of gold ornaments from an apartment when the house owners were on a trip to Europe. After the burglars looted the house, the couple cut short their Europe trip on being informed by their caretaker.
“In many cases of theft in flats or apartments or even individual houses, the burglars do a recce and obtain information about houses and house occupants. Sometimes, the security guards and caretakers are also involved,” a police officer said.
On Oct 26, twin city police asked the apartment societies and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to install internet protocol (IP)-based CCTV cameras so that the feed can be obtained by the commissionerate police in case of need.