Jharsuguda: Jharsuguda police have arrested four members of a gang that posed as fake sadhus to dupe elderly women and loot their gold ornaments. The accused were caught in Sambalpur, and stolen items, including gold jewellery, cash, and mobile phones, were recovered.
The case was registered based on a complaint by Nirupama Nayak (59) of Sarbahal, Jharsuguda, who reported that on February 12, at 5 PM, four miscreants on two motorcycles cunningly looted her gold ornaments and mobile phone. A similar case was reported by Ritamanjari Sahu of Gumadera, Belpahar, on February 11, leading to the registration of Belpahar PS Case No. 29/25.
Modus Operandi
The gang members, hailing from Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, impersonated sadhus from Haridwar and targeted elderly women by making false predictions about their future. They claimed the victims were facing problems that could be resolved through a ‘Suddhikriya’ ritual. During the ritual, they asked the victims to place their gold ornaments in a bag and then fled on their motorcycles.
Arrested Accused:
- Shahid (28) – Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand
- Md. Ikbal (31) – Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand
- Johar Ali (21) – Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
- Md. Islam (42) – Amroha, Uttar Pradesh
Seized Items:
- Two Bajaj Pulsar motorcycles
- Four mobile phones
- Gold jewelry – One pair of bangles, one ring, two chains, two pairs of earrings, four lockets, one single earring
- Cash ₹2,150/-
- Aadhaar cards and clothing of the accused
CCTV footage from Jharsuguda Town, monitored at the SP’s office, led to their identification. A police team swiftly pursued and apprehended them. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious of such fraudulent schemes. The investigation is ongoing.
