Seven Recovered Gold Chains Returned to Rightful Owners; Five-Member Chain-Snatching Gang Arrested Earlier
K.Santosh Patra, Odishabarta
Berhampur: In a significant breakthrough against property crimes, Berhampur Police have returned seven recovered gold chains, weighing approximately 80.40 grams, to their rightful owners after completing all legal formalities. The recovery follows the arrest of a five-member chain-snatching gang involved in a series of robberies and snatching incidents in the Nimakhandi and Gopalpur police station areas.
Earlier, police had arrested five accused persons and seized two motorcycles used in the commission of the crimes, along with other incriminating articles.
Investigation and Arrests
A series of chain-snatching and robbery incidents had been reported within the jurisdictions of Nimakhandi and Gopalpur police stations between 2024 and 2026. During the course of the investigation, one of the prime accused, Sunil Nahak alias Mala, sustained injuries in an exchange of fire with police under Golanthara Police Station Case No. 327/2025.
During interrogation, Sunil confessed to his involvement in the crimes and revealed the identity of his associate, Babu Majhi. Police seized the motorcycle used in the offences and a firearm from his possession.
Subsequently, Babu Majhi was taken into police custody by Nimakhandi Police. During sustained interrogation, he admitted his involvement in multiple chain-snatching and robbery cases committed in the Nimakhandi and Gopalpur areas between 2024 and 2026.
Based on his disclosures and further investigation, police arrested three more accused persons — Pravakar Muduli, Madhusudan Behera alias Madhu, and Biswanath Nayak, who allegedly acted as a receiver of stolen property.
Police recovered and seized:
Seven gold chains weighing approximately 80.40 grams
Two motorcycles:
Honda Unicorn (Registration No. OD-07-D-5858)
Yamaha FZ (Registration No. OD-22-S-3807)
Three mobile phones
Two helmets
Areas Targeted by the Gang
Investigations revealed that the gang had been systematically operating in several localities under Nimakhandi and Gopalpur police station limits.
Under Nimakhandi Police Station, the accused were active in:
Brajanagar 3rd Line
Shakti Nagar 2nd Line Extension
Gobinda Vihar 8th Line
Basudev Nagar 1st Line
Under Gopalpur Police Station, the offences were committed in:
Gopalpur Junction
Ambapua Income Tax Office Chhak
Ambapua Main Road
Cases Linked to the Accused
The accused persons have also been linked to the following criminal cases:
Nimakhandi PS Case No. 274/2024 under Section 304 BNS
Nimakhandi PS Case No. 203/2025 under Section 309(4) BNS
Nimakhandi PS Case No. 77/2026 under Sections 309(4)/3(5) BNS
Gopalpur PS Case No. 307/2024 under Section 304 BNS
Gopalpur PS Case No. 105/2025 under Sections 309(4)/3(5) BNS read with Sections 25/27 of the Arms Act
Gopalpur PS Case No. 252/2025 under Section 304 BNS
Court Proceedings
Following the completion of police remand, Babu Majhi was produced before the Hon’ble Court on March 30, 2026.
The other three accused — Pravakar Muduli, Madhusudan Behera alias Madhu, and Biswanath Nayak — were arrested on the same day and subsequently produced before the Court after completion of the required legal formalities.
The investigation was conducted by Inspector Krushna Saha, IIC, Nimakhandi Police Station, under the overall supervision of senior police officers.
The successful recovery and return of the stolen gold chains highlight the sustained efforts of Berhampur Police in curbing chain-snatching and property-related crimes while ensuring that recovered valuables are restored to their rightful owners.
