Daltonganj: In a first-of-its-kind development in Latehar district, a total of 17 individuals who had knowingly purchased stolen motorcycles up until February this year voluntarily surrendered the vehicles at the Bariyatu police station over the past week.
Police Awareness Campaign Leads to Surrender
Latehar Superintendent of Police Kumar Gaurav stated, "A total of 17 people, who had bought stolen bikes, deposited the two-wheelers with Bariyatu police over the past week. Officer in-charge of the Bariyatu police station, Ranjan Paswan, generated awareness among the people about the legal implications of wittingly receiving, buying or possessing stolen property like bikes."
Role of Local Leaders in Persuasion
Officer in-charge Ranjan Paswan explained, "Under the orders issued by the SP, we urged gram pradhan Mahender Oraon to persuade the owners of stolen bikes, which they had bought without any papers, to surrender the two-wheelers." The buyers had paid between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000 per bike and received no transfer documents.
Identification of Accused
The surrendered vehicles helped identify two individuals involved in the illegal activity: Rohit Oraon (22) and Sajid Ansari (40). Ansari, a resident of Lohardaga, allegedly stole the bikes, while Oraon, whose in-laws live in the Bariyatu police station area, used his connections to target potential customers for the stolen bikes. Both are currently lodged in Gumla jail in connection with a similar case from March this year, police said.
This initiative marks a significant step in curbing the trade of stolen property in the region, highlighting the effectiveness of community engagement and legal awareness.
