Sambalpur: Rs. 3.5 lakh in Cash and Gold Chain Looted from Auto in Broad Daylight; Robbery Scene Captured on CCTV

Four Robbers on Two Bikes Execute Swift Heist

Sambalpur: In a shocking incident, four robbers looted Rs. 3.5 lakh in cash and a gold chain in broad daylight from an elderly couple in Sambalpur. The robbers, riding two bikes, used a clever trick to steal the valuables.

How the Robbery Happened

Balakrishna Bhoi (64) and his wife, residents of Ainlapali village under Dhanupali police limits, withdrew Rs. 3.5 lakh from the SBI Main Branch around 12 PM. They placed the cash and a gold chain in a bag and took an auto-rickshaw home.

At Govindtola Chowk, around 12:30 PM, the couple stopped at a sweet shop, leaving their bag inside the auto. Meanwhile, the robbers, who had been following them from the bank, reached the spot on two bikes.

One of the robbers got off his bike at a short distance and threw some money on the ground near the auto. He then distracted the driver, telling him that his money had fallen. As soon as the driver turned away, two other robbers swiftly approached the auto, grabbed the bag, and fled within just 5 seconds.

A Well-Planned Escape

The first robber, after distracting the driver, jumped onto another bike, and all four robbers escaped within moments. Luckily, a nearby CCTV camera recorded the entire incident, exposing their bold daylight heist and open challenge to the police.

Police Investigation Underway

Initial findings suggest four robbers carefully planned the crime. Police have registered a case and are analyzing CCTV footage to identify them. Evidence shows they followed the elderly couple from the bank, waited for the right moment, and struck at Dhanupali Chowk before escaping.

Police Busy with Minister’s Visit, Robbers Take Advantage

On the day of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s visit, most police officers were assigned to his security, leaving other areas vulnerable. Seizing this opportunity, robbers executed the heist just 1.5 km from Dhanupali police station, with police unaware for nearly an hour until the victim reported it.

Rising Security Concerns in Sambalpur

Frequent robberies targeting gold and cash withdrawals have raised serious security concerns, yet police rarely catch the culprits. Residents question the focus on VIP security over public safety, as fear of police inaction discourages victims from reporting crimes. People are now demanding stronger law enforcement and better protection.