In a significant breakthrough, police in Odisha's Ganjam district busted a motorcycle-lifting gang on Saturday, arresting three members and recovering a dozen stolen two-wheelers from the Aska area. The accused individuals were allegedly involved in using the stolen motorcycles, after altering number plates and using fake registration numbers, to commit crimes such as chain snatching and looting.
Arrests and Identification
The accused were identified as A Santosh (22) and D China (20), both residents of Gandapalli, and P Ajaya (22) of Thengapalli, all under the Aska police limits. According to police officials, the accused have multiple cases registered against them in various police stations across Ganjam and other districts. The details of these cases are currently under verification.
Police Operation
SK Sahu, the inspector-in-charge of Aska police station, stated that three teams were formed to conduct vehicle checking after receiving credible information about a motorcycle with a fake registration number moving in the area. During the raids, one of the accused persons was detected, and the others were subsequently arrested based on information obtained from him.
Modus Operandi
The accused persons stole two-wheelers from crowded places in Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Tangi, Kabisurya Nagar, Banapur, and other locations over the past year. After stealing the vehicles, they immediately changed the number plates and used them in different areas to commit crimes. All stolen vehicles were recovered from their residences, police confirmed.
Recovery of Stolen Gold Chains
In a related development, Nimakhandi police in Berhampur handed over seven gold chains to their rightful owners on Saturday, following legal procedures. The chains, weighing approximately 80.40 grams and valued at around Rs 10 lakh, had been snatched by miscreants on different dates in 2024-2026 within the Nimakhandi police station area. Earlier, police had arrested five chain-snatchers, including a receiver of stolen chains.
