Bhubaneswar, Oct 26: In a shocking incident, a gang of looters targeted passengers aboard Ama Bus (No. 18) in Bhubaneswar, robbing them of valuables and cash worth lakhs.

The gang operated strategically, surrounding female passengers in the crowd and snatching gold ornaments from their vanity bags. Several elderly passengers were also targeted during the ride.

The incident occurred during peak hours, and the gang blended in with regular commuters, making it difficult for others to detect the crime in progress. According to reports, the gang had purchased tickets and boarded the bus like regular passengers, choosing their targets carefully.

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Following a complaint lodged at Chandrasekharpur Police Station, the police launched an investigation and arrested one of the accused, identified as Muna Swain. The breakthrough came after reviewing CCTV footage installed inside the bus, which captured the gang in action. The visuals showed the gang creating a crowd around victims and executing the theft swiftly.

Police sources confirmed that the arrested individual is the prime suspect and efforts are underway to apprehend two other accomplices involved in the robbery. The footage has been instrumental in identifying the gang members and tracing their movements.

This incident has raised concerns about passenger safety on public transport, especially for women and senior citizens. Authorities are now considering enhanced surveillance and security measures on city buses to prevent such crimes in the future.

The Chandrasekharpur Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. They also emphasized the importance of CCTV systems in public transport for ensuring commuter safety and aiding swift investigation.