Jharsuguda, Odisha : In a decisive crackdown on crime, Jharsuguda Police under the leadership of Superintendent of Police Gundala Readdy Raghavendra have arrested four accused in connection with the Saletikra robbery case, recovering stolen property and seizing deadly weapons including a pistol and bhujali. The swift action came within 24 hours of the complaint being lodged.

The robbery took place on the intervening night of August 25–26, 2025, when Ramu Kisan (35), a night watchman at a Tata showroom construction site near Biju Expressway in Saletikra, was attacked by three miscreants.

The accused allegedly assaulted him, brandished a pistol and a bhujali, and robbed his Redmi mobile phone along with his Hero HF Deluxe motorcycle (OD 23 Q 1226) before fleeing towards Banharpali.

On the instructions of SP Jharsuguda, a special team was formed under the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Airport Police Station. Acting swiftly, the team tracked down and arrested the culprits within hours.

The four arrested accused have been identified as:

• Manoj Barik (27), son of Arta Barik, Shantinagar, Bandhbahl, under Banharpali P.S., Jharsuguda.
• Sunil Yadav alias Nanu (23), son of Naresh Yadav, Rampur, Koilari, under Brajrajnagar P.S.
• Suraj Pancham (19), son of Late Sujit Pancham, Rampur, Kaolari, under Brajrajnagar P.S.
• Shibam Paswan (20), son of Guptewar Paswan, Rampur, Koilari, Panjabi Dhauda, under Brajrajnagar P.S.

The police recovered:

• One Redmi mobile phone
• One Hero HF Deluxe motorcycle (OD 23 Q 1226, complainant’s vehicle)
• One Hero Splendor Plus motorcycle (OD 23 Q 6796, used by accused)
• One pistol
• One bhujali

Speaking on the successful operation, SP Jharsuguda Gundala Readdy Raghavendra said in Pressmeet :

“This was a sensitive case as the accused used firearms and sharp weapons to terrorize the victim. Our team acted swiftly, and within 24 hours, we apprehended all four culprits and recovered the stolen items along with the arms used in the crime. Jharsuguda Police remain committed to ensuring safety and security, and such criminals will be dealt with strictly.”

Investigations revealed that the arrested persons are veteran criminals. Manoj Barik, in particular, is involved in 14 cases, including a murder case registered under Banharpali Police Station.

The accused were produced before the Hon’ble Court today, and further investigations are underway to trace their wider criminal network.

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