Posing as cleaners, robbers loot Gold worth over Rs. 4 Lakh

Khorda: In a recent incident, a pupated cleaning operation turned out to be an act of robbery. The culprits managed to loot gold jewelry worth over four lakhs from a family. The incident took place with a family residing in Prataprudrapur village of Khorda district.

Two unidentified individuals arrived the village on a motorcycle approximately 10.30 AM. They approached the villagers posing as cleaners, offering to polish their brass items and other jewelry. Falling victim to their deceitful scheme, Devendra Panda’s residence became the first target for the robbers.

Reportedly, the miscreants initially cleaned all the brass items given to them and then proceeded onto the silver articles. Exploiting further, they convinced Panda to let them clean the gold jewelry of his three daughter-in-laws. Unable to see through their schemes, the ladies of the household handed their valuable gold amulets, earrings, and other ornaments to the supposed cleaners.

Unbeknownst to them, the robbers skillfully dipped all the jewelry into a bowl of water mixed with red powder. They also issued a strict warning against touching the vessel or its contents and instructed the family to heat the vessel on a gas stove.

Allegedly, upon finding the right opportunity, the robbers cunningly looted all the gold ornaments while the family members were occupied. It was only when the family members grew suspicious and inspected the container that their worst fears were confirmed – The gold jewelry was missing. Reportedly, the looters had already made an escape with the stolen loot by then.

Immediately upon realizing, Devendra Panda immediately lodged a complaint about the gold loot at the nearby police station.