Kaptipada, June 2: An unusual attempted robbery case involving four minors has come to light in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, where the teenagers allegedly planned to steal an expensive mobile phone to gift one of their girlfriends.

The incident was uncovered by Kaptipada Police on Monday following an investigation into a failed break-in attempt near Udala Krushak Bazaar. According to police, the four minors hired a car driven by Ajay Dalai, claiming they needed to travel to Balasore and agreed to pay a fare of Rs 1,500.

Unaware of their intentions, the driver transported the group to the area. During the journey, the minors reportedly told the driver that they needed to collect money from relatives. However, after reaching the location, one of them allegedly attempted to break into a mobile phone shop with the aim of stealing a handset to gift to his girlfriend.

The robbery attempt failed, attracting the attention of local residents and police. Investigators later examined CCTV footage from the area, which helped reconstruct the sequence of events and identify those involved.

Police detained all four minors and launched an inquiry into the case. The driver maintained that he had no prior knowledge of the alleged plan and was simply providing transportation services to the group.

The incident has sparked concern over the growing involvement of juveniles in criminal activities and the influence of social pressures on young people. Further investigation is underway, and the matter is being handled in accordance with the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act.