Theft Case / Bhubaneswar Mobile Showroom Hit by ₹20 Lakh Heist

Bhubaneswar, Oct 29: A major theft at a mobile phone showroom in Bhubaneswar has triggered concern after burglars allegedly made away with around 40 high-end smartphones worth nearly ₹20 lakh during the cyclone-induced disruption in the city.

The incident took place at the ‘Phone Wala’ mobile showroom in Khandagiri. In a well-planned operation, the thieves not only stole costly smartphones but also removed the computer hard disk, CCTV cameras and DVR unit, apparently to destroy crucial evidence and avoid identification.

According to reports, showroom owner Jeevanjyoti Behera had closed the store and returned home late on Tuesday night.

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However, when he opened the outlet on Wednesday morning, he was shocked to find that the showroom had been burgled. A preliminary stock verification revealed that nearly 40 new smartphones were missing.

The estimated value of the stolen devices is believed to be around ₹20 lakh. The disappearance of surveillance equipment has further complicated the investigation, indicating that the perpetrators may have carefully planned the crime.

Following the incident, Behera lodged a written complaint with Bharatpur Police Station. Acting on the complaint, police teams reached the showroom and launched an investigation into the burglary.

Investigators suspect the criminals exploited the deserted streets, darkness and adverse weather conditions created by the cyclone to execute the theft.

Since the showroom’s CCTV system was removed, police are now examining footage from nearby establishments and roadside surveillance cameras to trace the suspects.

Police have intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those involved while also attempting to recover the stolen smartphones.