In a significant breakthrough, the Bhubaneswar police have once again apprehended 49-year-old serial burglar Niranjan Swain, alias Nanda, a man whose criminal activities have plagued the city for over two decades. His latest arrest on Sunday is linked to a fresh house break-in case, adding to a staggering list of at least 79 registered cases against him across various police stations since 2001.
A Criminal Career Spanning Decades
Niranjan Swain's alleged crime spree is a chronicle of persistent law-breaking. Police records paint a picture of a repeat offender who has been involved in thefts and burglaries across Bhubaneswar for the past 25 years. Despite previous convictions, he has repeatedly returned to crime. Investigators disclosed that Swain was sentenced to three years in prison on October 12, 2023, for a bike theft case, but had secured bail and was recently released before allegedly committing his latest offence.
Details of the Latest Burglary in Dhauli
The recent incident that led to Swain's custody occurred on January 8 at the residence of Sandhyarani Pattnaik, 45, in the Dhauli area. According to the filed complaint, Pattnaik and her children were asleep when two intruders entered the home by manipulating a window grille. The thieves made off with a significant haul of valuables, which included:
- Rs 20,000 in cash
- A 20-gram gold chain
- A 15-gram gold ring
- A 50-gram silver chain and coin
- Several ATM cards
"We examined CCTV footage from the house and nearby areas, which pointed to Swain's involvement. His interrogation subsequently led to the arrest of his associate, Munmuna Pradhan, 26," stated a police officer involved in the investigation.
Disturbing Allegations and a Separate Police Operation
During the investigation, police unearthed even more serious allegations against the accused. They claimed that Nanda, in several instances, sexually assaulted women and children at knifepoint following the thefts. Shockingly, most victims reportedly refrained from filing formal complaints due to intense fear, allowing these alleged crimes to go unreported.
In a separate law enforcement action on the same day, the Maitri Vihar police arrested six men, including the driver of a spices company managing director (MD), on charges of assault and vehicle theft. The incident unfolded after the MD consumed alcohol with his driver, who then allegedly called his associates. They proceeded to assault the employer with sharp-edged weapons and stole his SUV.
The arrest of Niranjan Swain highlights the challenges of dealing with habitual offenders and the profound impact of crime on community safety. It also underscores the importance of victims coming forward to report all aspects of a crime, as the police continue their efforts to bring long-term criminals to justice.
