Bhadrak, May 23: In a terrifying late-night robbery, a gang of seven to nine armed dacoits broke into the residence of Gangadhar Mallick in Ambroli village, under Bhadrak Rural Police Station, and looted cash and gold worth over Rs 42 lakh.

Reports indicate that the incident occurred near the Talang Canal Bund in Ambroli Panchayat. The robbers held the family members at gunpoint and knife-point, threatening them before ransacking the house.

The criminals reportedly seized Rs 22 lakh in cash and gold ornaments valued at more than Rs 20 lakh. After carrying out the crime, they locked the house from the outside and fled, leaving the family trapped inside. The family was later rescued after local residents noticed the unusual situation and broke open the lock.

The incident has sparked fear and panic in the area. Police have launched an investigation to trace and apprehend the gang responsible for this high-value robbery.