Armed Robbers Loot Rs 8.18 Lakh from Officials in Keonjhar

Bhubaneswar: Armed miscreants allegedly looted Rs 8,18,100 from a Panchayat Extension Officer (PEO) and an Additional Development Extension Officer (ADEO) near Bauripada Panchayat Office under Sadar Block in Keonjhar district on Monday morning.

According to reports, the officials had withdrawn the cash from a private bank in Keonjhar and were carrying it on a motorcycle to distribute among beneficiaries in the panchayat area when the robbery took place.

As per the complaint lodged by the officials, three unidentified men riding a red Pulsar motorcycle had been following them from near Mukuna Bazar, located close to Sadar Police Station. The accused later overtook the officials and blocked their path near the panchayat office.

The miscreants allegedly demanded the cash bags from the officials. When the duo resisted, one of the robbers reportedly brandished a pistol and fired a round in the air to threaten them. The accused then snatched the two cash bags containing Rs 8.18 lakh and fled the spot.

Sources said the robbers were speaking in Hindi and Bengali during the incident.

Following the robbery, the PEO informed the Sadar Block Development Officer (BDO) over phone. Subsequently, a written complaint was lodged at Sadar Police Station. Police have launched an investigation into the incident and efforts are underway to trace the accused.