Bhubaneswar, Feb 28: In a significant breakthrough, the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police have dismantled a mobile snatching group known as the "China Gang," with the arrest of two individuals allegedly involved in a string of mobile thefts across the capital city of Odisha.

According to police sources, the accused operated a small tiffin shop in the Unit-6 area of Bhubaneswar as a cover to avoid suspicion. The gang, primarily targeting women and elderly pedestrians walking alone, would use the shop as a base to scout for vulnerable victims.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Badal Parida and a minor, both of whom were locally referred to as part of the “China Gang.” After snatching mobile phones, the duo would sell the stolen devices at rock-bottom prices to quickly dispose of them and evade authorities.

The arrest followed an incident, where the gang allegedly snatched a mobile phone from Sarojini Behera while she was on her way to a temple. Acting swiftly on the complaint, the police tracked down and apprehended the suspects.

Authorities suspect that the gang may have more members, and several cases have already been filed against the arrested individuals. Police are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of their operations.