Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police busted a bike lifters’ syndicate while investigating into a motorcycle theft case, Friday. The gang is allegedly involved in stealing two-wheelers and selling them to third parties at discounted prices. Police have seized 14 two-wheelers and arrested two persons in connection with the incident. The accused identified as Prasanta Lenka and Indrajeet Singh, residents of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar respectively, have been charged under Sections 379, 413, and 414, and produced before a local court Friday, said police officials.
Other persons involved in the incident will be arrested soon, they added. Police said a complaint was lodged at Capital Police station by one Pushpaturaka, a native of Andhra Pradesh, regarding the theft of his bike. Acting on the complaint, the cops seized the two-wheeler and arrested Lenka, they added. During interrogation, Lenka confessed to having stolen many two-wheelers from across the twin city including prime locations like Forest Park, Madhusudan Park, and IG Park. The gang was also operating in other districts of Odisha, they added.
Regarding the modus operandi, the police said Singh used to receive stolen two-wheelers from Lenka and hid them at various parking spots near Master Canteen Square. He used to sell the stolen vehicles upon finding suitable buyers, the officials added. The Commissionerate Police stated that arrangements are being made for the return of the recovered two-wheelers to their owners.
DEBADURLLAV HARICHANDAN, OP