Odisha police arrest two separate gangs for gold and silver thefts

Police in Odisha have arrested members of two separate criminal groups involved in the theft and fraudulent exchange of precious metals.

In Bhubaneswar, two women from Uttar Pradesh were apprehended for allegedly participating in a gang that targeted jewellery shops. The suspects reportedly posed as high-profile customers and swapped genuine gold ornaments for fake copper-alloy pieces. They specifically targeted establishments lacking gold-testing equipment. The arrests followed a complaint by the Bhubaneswar Jewellery Association.

In Balangir, authorities dismantled a seven-member gang responsible for multiple burglaries and a dacoity. Following raids in the Rayagada district, police recovered approximately 2 kg of gold and 25 kg of silver, valued at roughly 3 crore rupees, along with 10 lakh rupees in cash. The gang was linked to the theft of ornaments from the Duarseni Temple and an assault on a businessman's residence in Sindhekela.