Cuttack, Ap 6: In a significant breakthrough, Cuttack Rural Police on Wednesday arrested two notorious criminals along with eight accomplices involved in a series of loot cases. Stolen gold ornaments valued at over Rs 1.40 crore were recovered from their possession.

The police also seized silver ornaments worth Rs 8 lakh, cash amounting to Rs 61,600, two luxury cars, two walkie-talkies, and several tools used in the thefts.

Addressing a press conference, Cuttack Rural SP Vinit Agarwal identified the key accused as Rajesh Khuntia and Sushant Swain, both residents of the Raghunathpur police station area in Jagatsinghpur district. “Rajesh Khuntia has 47 criminal cases pending, while 28 cases are registered against Sushant Swain. This gang has been operating across Cuttack, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur districts,” SP Agarwal said.

The accused reportedly targeted homes late at night, threatening occupants before looting valuables. The stolen items were later sold with the assistance of eight receivers.

The case came to light following a complaint lodged by Gurucharan Pal of Natakai village under the Nischintakoili police limits. A special police team led by the Salepur SDPO conducted the investigation, ultimately dismantling the inter-district gang.