Berhampur, Jan 28: Berhampur Town Police on Wednesday arrested two notorious habitual offenders, Sambhu Muli and his brother Sagara Muli, in connection with a house burglary and robbery case reported by complainant Janardan Panda of Gandhi Nagar, police said.

The arrests followed a swift investigation involving CCTV footage analysis, witness examination, and surveillance operations.

According to the police, the duo had absconded since the incident but were apprehended during a sudden raid at their residence in Ganesh Nagar today. Both confessed to their involvement in the crime, admitting that they, along with two associates—Santosh Sahu alias Kamelesu and Sibananda Panigrahi alias Pada—burgled Panda’s residence and looted cash worth Rs1 lakh, saris, and mobile phones. The stolen cash was reportedly spent on liquor and brown sugar, while other items remain with the absconding associates.

During the house search, police seized a brown bag belonging to the complainant, clothing used during the crime, a T-shaped iron rod, Rs 20,500 in cash, Aadhaar cards of the complainant and his wife, and cosmetic items.

Police said that sufficient prima facie evidence was established under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), leading to the arrest and forwarding of the accused duo to judicial custody.

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Investigations also revealed the extensive criminal antecedents of the accused. Sambhu Muli has been involved in 33 cases across multiple police stations, primarily related to housebreaking, theft, robbery, and organized crime. His brother, Sagara Muli, has a record of 38 cases, including theft, assault, arms-related offences, and violations under the NDPS and excise laws.

The Town Police emphasized that the arrests mark a significant step in curbing organized criminal activity in Berhampur, while efforts continue to apprehend the absconding associates and recover the remaining stolen property.