Nabarangpur Police Crack Paddy Theft Case: Five Including 4 Minors Held

Umerkote police have cracked the major paddy theft case that took place in Umerkote town of Nabarangpur district.Due to the police’s prompt investigation, four minors along with an adult accused have been apprehended in connection with the incident. In addition, 100 bags of paddy, one autorickshaw and one bike have been seized.According to sources, paddy had been stored at the RMC godown located at Hatapada in Umerkote town, belonging to miller Ganesh Padhy.On the night of the 8th, miscreants broke the ventilator of the godown and stole approximately 404 bags of paddy. The stolen paddy weighed approximately 186 quintals, and its estimated value was Rs 4,40,634.In this regard, Ganesh Padhy lodged a written complaint at Umerkote Police Station. Based on this complaint, Umerkote Police Station registered PS Case No. 355/2026 under Sections 331(4)/305(A) of the BNS. Umerkote Police Station IIC Jugal Sabar immediately entrusted the investigation of the case to Police Sub-Inspector Sanjay Mandal.During the investigation, the police arrested Golu Harijan (19), a resident of Canal Sahi in Umerkote, following which the details of the incident came to light. Based on his information, the police apprehended four more minors who were involved in the theft.Based on the statements of the accused, the police raided the houses of businessmen Manguli Sahu and Damdhar Sahu in the Dhepguda area of Umerkote town. From there, 100 bags of paddy, weighing approximately 46 quintals, were seized. IIC Jugal Sabar informed that the two individuals were brought to the police station and questioned, after which they were released upon being served notices.The police also seized a Bajaj Auto (No. OD 30B 4296) and a bike (No. CG 05 H 8609) used in the theft. While the arrested main accused, Golu Harijan, was forwarded to the court, the four CICLs (Children in Conflict with Law) were produced before the Principal Magistrate, Juvenile Justice Board (PM-JJB), Nabarangpur.The police investigation has revealed the involvement of several more persons in the theft, and it has been learnt that they are currently absconding. The police investigation is continuing to apprehend the absconding accused and recover the remaining stolen paddy.The police have informed that the seized paddy has been handed over to the mill owner.