Bhubaneswar, April 17: Capital Police have arrested two persons on charges of stealing air conditioner components from the Finance Department at Lok Seva Bhavan.

The accused have been identified as Manoj Kumar Das (25) of Tamando, originally from Nischintakoili in Cuttack district, and Chandan Palai (27) of Salia Sahi, originally from Binjharpur in Jajpur district. Police have recovered several parts of AC compressors from their possession.

According to police, the theft came to light following a complaint filed by Chakradhar Biswal, Deputy Secretary of the Finance Department. Based on the complaint, a case was registered at Capital Police Station.

Preliminary investigation revealed that compressors and copper pipes from seven air conditioners installed at multiple locations, including the rooftop, ground floor, Deputy Secretary’s chamber, and library, were stolen. The incidents reportedly occurred in phases between November 2025 and March 2026 during ongoing maintenance and repair work.

The accused were initially detained by Secretariat security personnel. Subsequent search operations led to the recovery of stolen AC components. During interrogation, both individuals confessed to their involvement in the theft.

Police have arrested the duo and forwarded them to court.