Crime in Odisha / Family Burglary Racket Busted in Balasore, Five Held

Balasore, July 27: In a dramatic breakthrough, Udala Police have busted a family-run burglary racket that allegedly involved minors, recovering stolen valuables and exposing five cases of theft under its jurisdiction in Odisha’s Balasore district, police said on Monday.

Police said the prime accused, identified as Barna Bindhani of Kanakpada village, orchestrated the thefts by roping in his minor son, his brother-in-law’s son, and a neighbour’s child. Together, they targeted locked houses across different localities, stealing jewellery and valuables which were later sold at a jewellery shop in Nilagiri.

Investigators revealed that Bindhani, after selling the stolen ornaments, would travel with his family in a car purchased from the proceeds, presenting himself at the jewellery store in a “royal manner.” The gang is believed to have earned over Rs4 lakh from the sale of stolen ornaments.

Police have arrested five people, including three minors, and seized five bank passbooks, a car, two motorcycles, and four mobile phones. The shop owner, Har Gobind Rana of Nilagiri’s Alli Jewellery, was also arrested for purchasing stolen ornaments, with jewellery recovered from his possession.
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Bindhani’s criminal record spans multiple police stations, including Khunta, Udala, and Kaptipada, where several cases are pending against him. His nephew and minor daughter, also allegedly involved in the thefts, remain absconding.

Police sources added that apart from selling jewellery, the accused admitted to squandering stolen money on gambling. The arrests have brought relief to residents, with police officials confirming that five burglary cases under Udala police limits have now been solved.