Angul, June 18: In a major success, Angul Police cracked an armed robbery case within 12 hours and arrested four accused, including two who were injured in a police encounter near Handapa. The accused, all residents of Maharashtra, were allegedly involved in the robbery at Balaji Gold Refinery in Talcher.
According to police, armed miscreants looted around 230 grams of gold, 60 grams of gold ornaments and 700 grams of silver ornaments from the refinery at Hatatota on Tuesday evening. The robbers also allegedly abducted an employee at gunpoint before fleeing in a Hyundai Verna fitted with a fake registration number plate.
Following the incident, five special teams were formed under the supervision of the Angul Superintendent of Police. By analysing CCTV footage and tracking the suspects’ movements, police identified the vehicle and launched a coordinated chase along NH-55 towards Sambalpur.
As police closed in, the accused abandoned their vehicle near Chuliapur forest under Handapa police limits and attempted to escape on foot. During the pursuit, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the police team. In retaliation and self-defence, police resorted to controlled firing, injuring two accused — Sachin Gajge and Prakash Madane — in their legs. Both were later shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.
Two other accused, identified as Rajesh Madane and Deva Prabhakar Lokhande, were arrested during the operation. Police recovered nearly the entire quantity of the looted gold and silver ornaments, besides seizing two country-made firearms with live ammunition and the vehicle used in the crime.
Police said efforts are underway to apprehend another absconding accused and ascertain the involvement of any additional associates. Further investigation is in progress.
