Bhubaneswar: Commissionerate Police Monday busted a bike lifters’ gang that had been active in the Capital City and adjoining areas. The cops have also arrested four members of the gang including the receiver of the booty. The arrested were identified as Krishan Das, 36, of Itamati area, Pravat Kumar Nayak, 40, of Khandapada and Ramesh Prusty, 31, of Laxmi Prasad village in Nayagarh and Chikunta Nayak, 35, of Raikia in Kandhamal district.
Speaking to the media, Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh said a joint team of Capital Police station and officials of a special squad of Commissionerate Police busted an organised bike lifters’ gang which used to steal motorcycles from various areas, especially Infocity and Khandagiri areas. “Accused Krishan is a professional bike lifter having a series of cases pending against him.
Previously, he was also arrested by city police in connection with some other matters. He was later released on bail. He has formed a well-oiled gang with Pravat, Chikunta, and Ramesh. Mastermind Krishan and his aide Pravat used to steal motorcycles from the City. Krishan in connivance with Ramesh, who has a number plate and sticker shop at Nayagarh, used to prepare fake high-security registration plates (HSRPs), and fake documents of the stolen M/Cs,” revealed the city police. The stolen vehicles were later disposed of through Chikunta in remote areas by claiming as second-hand bikes. They also prepare the fake documents and number plates at MAA Arts located at Behera Sahi Chhaka here. Police have launched a manhunt to arrest the owner of MAA Arts.
Police claimed that the gang is involved in the theft of more than 100 motorcycles while 15 cases are pending at Capital, Infocity, Khandagiri, and Kharvel Nagar police stations. The cops have so far recovered 35 motorcycles, 40 duplicate number plates, seven fake RC smart cards, seven fake RC papers, and five duplicate keys from the possession of the accused, who was Monday produced before the court that sent them to judicial custody
