Odisha Police Constable Arrested Over Alleged Involvement in ₹30 Lakh Robbery Conspiracy

Paralakhemundi: An Odisha Police Constable, also serving as the President of Gajapati District Constable Association, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a Rs 30 lakh robbery conspiracy in the Paralakhemundi area of Gajapati district. The accused, identified as Tanuj Kumar Sabat was suspended from duty after a case was registered on January 25, under sections 120-B/394 of the IPC.

Another individual named Rajesh from Saluru in Andhra Pradesh was also arrested in connection with the robbery case. The incident unfolded when the Paralakhemundi Town police received information about an attempted snatching of a cash-filled bag near Kerandi village on January 25 evening.

Prompt police action was initiated, based on a complaint lodged by Ravindranath, a resident of Visakhapatnam, who was allegedly targeted by Rajesh in a scheme involving Rs 30 lakh exchange. Ravindranath had been promised Rs 60 lakh in Rs 2000 denomination notes in exchange for Rs 30 lakh in Rs 500 denomination notes.

Upon reaching an isolated location with Rajesh, Ravindranath faced an attempted looting. Quick-thinking youngsters playing volleyball nearby intervened and caught the accused with the cash bag, alerting the police.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Constable Tanuj Kumar Sabat was also part of the criminal activity. Sabat had reached the scene during the snatching attempt, confiscating the mobile phone of one of the accused and handing it over to another involved in the crime.

Based on CCTV footage, the police seized the mobile phone, bringing Constable Tanuj Kumar Sabat under investigation. Following the inquiry, Sabat was suspended from duty and subsequently arrested. He has been presented before a local court. The entire investigation was conducted under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police (SP).