Bhubaneswar, Oct 7: Khandagiri police on Saturday arrested five notorious criminals while planning to loot in Bhubaneswar during the Puja season.
The police seized two bikes, a sword, chili powder, and a knife from their possession.
The accused have been identified as Murali Behera and Manas Pradhan of Puri district, Shankar Dakua of Ganjam, Mantu Paikray of Baramunda of Bhubaneswar and Akash Nayak of Nayagarh district.
According to information, the five accused came in contact while at the jail, After their release from prison, they had planned to work in a gang. Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a raid and arrested them while plotting plans for their loot schedule in the upcoming festival season.
During the criminal background check of the arrested persons, police found that the arrested youths are history-sheeters and have many criminal cases pending at different police stations of Puri, Nayagarh, Kendrapara, and Bhubaneswar. There were 23 cases registered in the name of Mantu Paikray while three cases against Murali and 3 cases were registered in the name of Shankar, said police.
