Six Held, Including Five Minors, as Mobile Theft Gang Busted in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Police have busted a mobile theft gang involved in a series of break-ins at mobile shops across the city, arresting six persons, including five minors, officials said on Tuesday.

The lone adult accused has been identified as 19-year-old Aditya Sahoo from Jajpur, while the remaining five are minors classified as children in conflict with the law (CCL).

Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena said the gang operated across multiple police station jurisdictions and carried out thefts in a planned and coordinated manner.

According to police, the first incident was reported from the Mancheswar police station area on April 30, followed by another theft in the Laxmisagar area on May 3. Similarities in the modus operandi and CCTV footage analysis helped investigators link both cases to the same group.

“Though the incidents occurred in different locations, coordinated efforts between police teams led to the identification and arrest of the accused,” Meena said while addressing the media.

During the operation, police recovered 24 mobile phones, six earphones, a drone, and several mobile accessories from the accused. Tools allegedly used for breaking into shops were also seized.

Further investigation revealed the gang’s involvement in motorcycle thefts. Two stolen bikes have been recovered, and a related case has been registered at the Badagada police station. The vehicles will be handed over to their rightful owners after verification.

Preliminary checks also showed that one of the juveniles has a history of involvement in multiple criminal cases, including theft, housebreaking, and other anti-social activities.

Police said further investigation is underway to uncover the gang’s wider network and identify any additional accomplices.