Cuttack Police Apprehend Trio in Elaborate Drugging and Robbery Scheme
Commissionerate police in Cuttack made a significant breakthrough on Wednesday, arresting three persons, including a married couple, in connection with a sophisticated drugging and looting incident that occurred earlier this month. The arrested individuals have been identified as Itishree Sahoo, aged 30, her husband Mahesh Kumar Das, 39, and Narendra Moharana, 48, who is alleged to have acted as the receiver of the stolen property.
Details of the Crime Unfold
According to police reports, the incident took place at a hotel located on Haripur-Dolamundai Road, under the jurisdiction of the Purighat police station, on January 10. The investigation revealed that the female accused, Itishree Sahoo, initially contacted the victim, Bindu Bhusan Nanda, through social media platforms. She maintained communication with him for approximately two months, gradually building trust.
The scheme escalated when Sahoo allegedly lured the victim to visit the hotel under false pretenses. Once there, she served him a cold drink that had been secretly mixed with sedatives. After the victim lost consciousness due to the drugged beverage, the accused swiftly executed their plan, making off with valuable items.
Stolen Property and Investigation Breakthrough
The loot included around 200 grams of gold ornaments, Rs 1 lakh in cash, and an additional Rs 80,000 that was transferred via an e-payment platform. The crime came to light after the victim's brother filed a formal complaint at the Purighat police station, prompting immediate action.
Acting on the FIR, police officers meticulously examined witness statements and verified CCTV footage from the hotel and adjacent shops. This crucial evidence played a pivotal role in identifying and tracking down the accused. Further investigation uncovered that the woman's husband, Mahesh Kumar Das, had collaboratively planned the crime with her, highlighting a premeditated conspiracy.
Police Recovery and Official Statement
DCP (Cuttack) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo provided insights into the operation, stating, "Based on technical evidence and CCTV verification, our team traced and apprehended the accused. A substantial portion of the stolen property has been recovered."
The recovery efforts yielded significant results, with police seizing:
- An electric vehicle and a motorcycle
- Two mobile phones
- Renovated gold chains and a gold ring, collectively weighing over 151 grams
- Rs 53,500 in cash
- ATM and Aadhaar cards from the accused
This case underscores the effectiveness of modern investigative techniques, including digital forensics and surveillance, in combating organized crime in urban areas like Cuttack.
