Gang involved in 40 loot cases held

RAIPUR: Crime branch on Thursday bust a gang of serial robbers involved in at least 40 theft cases, arresting three persons from Sadar Bazaar area. Stuff worth Rs 45 lakh was seized from their possession including 1kg gold and 6kg silver.
With series of thefts taking place in state capital in last few months, Raipur SP BN Meena formed a team of crime branch cops and ordered investigation.It was found that the style of robbery was similar in most cases. Cops were also keeping an eye on activities of main accused Pawan Mandal, 23, of Kachna Housing Society, under suspicion.
Tracing his movements, police team also zeroed in on his aides. Acting on a tip-off, Pawan and his friend Suraj Saluja were held in Sadar Bazaar when both of them were looking for prospective buyer for selling the loot.
After interrogation, the duo confessed that they were out in market to sell the stolen ornaments and told police about their third accomplice Gaurav Soni, who was nabbed from a car, close to the spot, police added.
The accused confessed to thefts in Telibandha, Tikrapara, Vidhan Sabha, Kharora, Dharsiwa, Purani Bastti and a dozen more places of city, while in few incidents, main accused Pawan was alone. The gang was operational in Durg, Kumhari, Dhamtari and neighbouring districts as well.
The accused told police that they used to freak out in city in their four-wheeler and used to identify isolated and lonely houses, shops, warehouses and broke open locks with the help of iron rod. Right from stealing cash, ornaments, electronic goods, valuables, the accused had started targeting luxury cars, of which two were seized.
All three were arrested under relevant sections of IPC while police were also investigating if there were more people involved with them.