In a significant crackdown, the Raghunathpalli police in Rourkela successfully dismantled an organized vehicle theft racket on Thursday. The operation led to the arrest of three individuals and the recovery of a substantial cache of stolen vehicles and tools.
Three Arrested in Major Police Operation
The police team apprehended three suspects identified as Kanhu Nayak (31), Anup Munda (29), and Md. Gulzar (28). All the arrested individuals are residents of Rourkela. The arrests followed a targeted investigation into a series of vehicle thefts plaguing the region.
Stolen Vehicles and Equipment Seized
During the raid, law enforcement officials made a substantial recovery. The seized items include:
- 7 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs)
- 4 motorcycles
- 3 mobile phones
- 2 master keys used for stealing vehicles
The recovery of the master keys points to a sophisticated modus operandi employed by the gang.
Wide Operational Area and Criminal History
Investigations revealed that the trio was not confined to a single location. Their criminal activities spanned the peripheral areas of Rourkela, operating under the police limits of Raghunathpalli, Tangarpali, Brahmani Tarang, Bandamunda, and Gurundia.
Police sources also indicated the gang's involvement in a burglary case within the Bisra police station area. One of the accused, Kanhu Nayak, has a particularly long criminal record. His history dates back to 2011, with a staggering 47 cases currently pending against him in various courts.
Impact and Ongoing Investigations
This bust is expected to provide relief to multiple victims and disrupt a significant source of illegal vehicle trade in the region. The police are now delving deeper into the network to identify potential receivers of the stolen vehicles and to solve other connected crimes. The successful operation underscores the police's focus on curbing organized crime in Rourkela's outskirts.
