Tumudibandha (Kandhamal), Apr 21: In a significant breakthrough, Tumudibandha Police successfully apprehended a notorious armed robbery gang, seizing a cache of weapons and stolen items.

The operation, led by Tumudibandha SI Ashutosh Jena, resulted in the recovery of a rifle, an air pistol, a cutter, two sickles, five black masks, ₹1 lakh in cash, five mobile phones, and an XUV-500 vehicle.

The gang had been involved in a daring heist targeting contractor Bijay Kumar Mishra and his driver on their way from Baliguda to Bhawanipatna. The robbers intercepted their car on the Raula River Bridge, holding them at gunpoint and looting the vehicle, an iPhone, and ₹1 lakh in cash. The victims were also assaulted before the gang fled the scene.

Following the incident, Tumudibandha Police formed a special investigation team and intensified their efforts. The arrested individuals include Ranjan Pradhan (25), Sudhanshu Bag (23), Pratik Hans (22), Sangram Patra (21), and Gaura Gauda (20), all hailing from nearby villages. Cases have been registered under FIR 49/2025, and further investigations are underway.

This operation underscores the police's commitment to maintaining law and order and serves as a warning to criminal elements in the region.

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