# Precious metal theft and fraud in Odisha

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/precious-metal-theft-and-fraud-in-odisha
> Updated: 2026-08-28T02:10:12.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

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, specifically targeting establishments lacking gold-testing equipment. This 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.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: Odisha police arrest two separate gangs for gold and silver thefts

Police in Odisha have arrested two separate gangs involved in gold and silver thefts, including a group using fake jewellery to swap for real ornaments and a seven-member gang linked to temple burglaries.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/odisha-police-arrest-two-separate-gangs-for-gold-and-silver-thefts

### 2026-08-23: Puri police arrest three in tantric murder and gold fraud case

Puri police arrested three men for the murder of a tantric in Kanas, Odisha, following a Rs 2 lakh fraud involving a fake gold idol scam.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puri-police-arrest-three-in-tantric-murder-and-gold-fraud-case

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Cite as: Precious metal theft and fraud in Odisha. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/precious-metal-theft-and-fraud-in-odisha