Baripada: Criminals from various parts of the state as well as from neighbouring states like Jharkhand and West Bengal prefer Baripada town as their safe hideout, recent investigations have revealed.
A few days back, Baripada police had sought the help of local youths to curb criminal activities amid a spurt in crimes in the town and on its outskirts. Thieves and robbers have been committing crimes with impunity while police in most cases have failed to nab them.
Criminals from other districts and neighbouring states commit crimes in slum areas and get away. Police failed to garner intelligence inputs about criminal activities in Baripada, a report said.
The town has been a preferred hideout for criminals and they conduct crimes by operating from slums. This fact was established from the statement of Phuli Gopal, a criminal, in recent past.
He had looted from a jewelry shop on the district veterinary hospital road near Biju Patnaik Chhak last Tuesday. Phuli is a native of Aska in Ganjam district who stayed in a house at Raghunathpur of Baripada town on rent for past one year.
Along with his other accomplices, he had also spread his criminal activities in Baliapal and Nilagiri areas of Balasore district. The blueprint of all his crime was prepared here.
It is noteworthy that 39 theft cases were reported in Baripada town since September 1. It is said daily wagers coming from neighbouring Jharkhand and West Bengal are also getting involved in criminal activities.
The fact that house-owners do not keep detailed information of tenants before renting out their houses helps the tenants to go scot free after crimes.
Reacting to this, SDPO of Baripada sadar Jadunath Jena said, “I have been entrusted with the task of putting a check on criminal activities, by my higher-ups. Garnering information on tenants is under way.”