Bhubaneswar, Nov 28: In a fresh display of criminal activity in the Capital Region, a businessman was assaulted and robbed of Rs 20 lakh near Pahala in Bhubaneswar, a source said Friday.

The incident has triggered concern among locals and prompted an immediate police investigation.

The victim, Prabhat Kumar Sahu, hails from Odangi village under Sadar police station limits in Balasore district. According to the complaint filed at Pahala police station, Prabhat had parked his car a short distance from the station to have tea along with two associates, Saroj and Suresh.

While the three were standing by the roadside, five armed miscreants arrived on two motorcycles and surrounded them. Before the victims could react, the attackers allegedly launched a violent assault using sharp weapons, including swords and machetes. The gang then snatched a bag containing the cash and fled from the spot within minutes.

Police said preliminary evidence indicates the attackers had tracked the victims and were aware that Prabhat was carrying a large amount of money.

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According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)-2023 report, Odisha recorded 370 cases of dacoity last year, accounting for nearly 10 per cent of the national total. The state’s dacoity crime rate stands at 0.8 -- more than double the national average of 0.3. Data also shows that Odisha’s dacoity incidence is disproportionately high compared to its population share, putting the spotlight on gaps in highway security, especially in areas around Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.