Armed Robbers Loot Cash and Gold Worth Rs 18 Lakh in Keonjhar

Keonjhar: Armed miscreants allegedly looted cash and gold ornaments worth nearly Rs 18 lakh during a late-night robbery at Bayapandadhar village under Sadar police station limits in Odisha’s Keonjhar district.

According to reports, the incident occurred late Sunday night when eight masked robbers approached the house of Sangram Kesari Naik, pretending to seek drinking water. The gang staged a drama by supporting one of their associates and claiming he had met with an accident and urgently needed water.

When the family opened the door to help, the armed men forced their way inside. The robbers allegedly pointed guns at the family members, snatched their mobile phones, and confined them to a room.

The gang then ransacked the house, breaking open almirahs, storage boxes, and bags. They fled with Rs 6.80 lakh in cash and gold jewellery worth around Rs 11 lakh, police sources said.

Naik stated that seven of the robbers had their faces covered, while one was unmasked. He added that all of them were carrying firearms.

Upon receiving information, police reached the spot and began an investigation. A search operation has been launched to trace and apprehend the accused.