AC Compressor Theft at Lok Seva Bhavan: Two Arrested by Capital Police

Bhubaneswar: Capital Police have arrested two individuals for allegedly stealing air conditioner (AC) compressors and copper pipes from the Finance Department at Lok Seva Bhavan.

The accused have been identified as Manoj Kumar Das (25), a resident of Tamando, and Chandan Palai (27) from Binjharpur in Jajpur district. Police said several AC compressor components and related materials were recovered from their possession.

According to a complaint lodged by the Deputy Secretary of the Finance Department, as many as seven AC units installed at multiple locations—including the rooftop, ground floor, Sub-Secretary’s chamber, and library—were found missing compressors and copper pipes.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the चोरी occurred in phases between November 2025 and March 2026, allegedly during periods of maintenance and repair work. The suspects were initially detained by security personnel at the Secretariat, following which they were handed over to police.

During interrogation, both accused reportedly confessed to their involvement in the theft.

Based on the complaint, Capital Police registered a case and later produced the accused before a local court. Further investigation into the matter is currently underway.