Angul, 18 June 2026
In a significant breakthrough, Talcher Police of Angul District successfully detected an armed robbery case within 12 hours of its commission and apprehended four accused persons, including two who sustained bullet injuries.
On 17.06.2026 at about 6:10 PM, Talcher Police received information regarding a robbery at Balaji Gold Refineries, Hatatota, Talcher, wherein armed miscreants looted approximately 230 grams of gold, 60 grams of gold ornaments and 700 grams of silver ornaments. The accused persons also kidnapped an employee at gunpoint and fled from the spot in a white Hyundai Verna car bearing Registration No. OD-32-F-7419, later found to be displaying a fake number plate.
Accordingly, Talcher P.S. Case No. 671 dated 17.06.2026 was registered under Sections 140(3)/332(b)/309(6)/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Sections 25/27 of the Arms Act.
Immediately after registration of the case, Five special teams were constituted under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police, Angul. During investigation, CCTV footage from multiple locations was analysed and technical surveillance was undertaken. Based on the leads generated, the suspect vehicle was traced and chased by the police team.
The vehicle was subsequently noticed on NH-55 proceeding towards Sambalpur. Simultaneously, all police stations in Angul District were alerted and intensive naka checking was conducted at strategic locations. Finding themselves cornered, the accused persons abandoned the vehicle near Chuliapur jungle under Handapa Police Station limits and attempted to escape on foot.
The pursuing police team chased the accused persons into the jungle. During the operation, the accused opened fire at the police personnel. In order to protect the lives of police personnel and in the lawful exercise of the right of private defence, the police resorted to controlled retaliatory firing.
As a result, two accused persons, namely Sachin Gajge and Prakash Madne, residents of Maharashtra, sustained bullet injuries on leg. They were immediately disarmed and shifted to District Headquarters hospital for treatment.
Two other accused persons, namely Rajesh Madne and Deba Prabhakar Lokhande, also residents of Maharashtra, were apprehended during the operation.
Almost entire robbed gold and silver ornaments were recovered and seized. Police also recovered and seized two country-made firearms along with live ammunition. The Hyundai Verna car used in the commission of the offence was also seized.
Search operations are continuing to apprehend another absconding accused person and to ascertain the involvement of any other associates. Further investigation is in progress.
Angul Police.
