Bada Bazar Police Crack Down on Crimes Against Minor, Gold Theft; Four Arrested
Manoj Kanta Dash, Odishabarta
Minor Allegedly Exploited Under Threat; Stolen Gold Melted and Proceeds Used to Purchase Vehicles
Brahmapur, 11/08/2026:Bada Bazar Police Station in Berhampur has once again demonstrated its proactive approach towards maintaining public safety and tackling serious criminal activities, recording another significant achievement with the arrest of four persons in connection with offences involving a minor girl and theft of gold ornaments.
The police action comes amid a series of cases being detected by Bada Bazar Police Station, reflecting sustained investigative efforts and close supervision by senior authorities. Such consistent action, particularly in cases involving vulnerable victims and property offences, is expected to further strengthen public confidence in the police.
According to the police, Bada Bazar Police Station registered Case No. 607 dated 10.08.2026 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, based on a written complaint lodged by a 17-year-old minor girl.
During investigation, police allegedly found that the principal accused, Rajesh Panigrahi alias Rani Panda (26), had subjected the minor to sexual offences against her will on multiple occasions, allegedly threatening harm to her family.
Police further alleged that the accused, along with his associates, subsequently committed theft of gold ornaments from the minor’s residence. The stolen ornaments were allegedly melted and sold with the involvement of the other accused persons. The police said that the proceeds were subsequently used for purchasing two high-end four-wheelers and one two-wheeler.
Four Arrested
The four accused arrested in connection with the case have been identified as:
Rajesh Panigrahi @ Rani Panda (26)
Shiba Swain (32)
A. Manoj Kumar Senapati (67)
K. Malika Arjun Rao (60)
During the course of investigation, police reportedly seized the following items:
Maruti Suzuki car bearing registration No. OD32-N-0302
Kia car bearing registration No. OD07-BF-0302
Melted gold weighing approximately 56.500 grams
Mobile phones
Cash amounting to Rs.15 lakh
All four accused persons were forwarded to the Hon’ble Court on 11.08.2026 after completion of the necessary legal formalities.
Police said that further investigation is continuing to establish the complete sequence of events and ascertain whether any other persons were involved in the offences.
The latest action once again highlights the importance of prompt investigation, effective supervision and coordinated policing in protecting vulnerable sections of society and curbing serious crimes within the city.
