An investigation by Goa Police into a major dacoity case in Baina, Vasco, has uncovered a pattern linking the accused to a specific community from Odisha. The probe into the November 18 apartment robbery has led to the arrest of six individuals, five of whom hail from the Balasore district in Odisha.
Modus Operandi and Community Link Unveiled
South Goa Superintendent of Police, Tikam Singh Verma, stated that the investigation indicates members of this particular community are frequently involved in dacoities across the country. "Most of them don't even have any criminal records like the accused arrested in Goa," Verma revealed, highlighting the challenge for law enforcement.
The police explained the meticulous planning behind the crime. A common tactic involves one member first conducting reconnaissance. "One member visits the spot by either directly working at the target's place or working near the target's house so that he understands the locality," said SP Verma. In this instance, one of the accused had worked at the victim's residence for about two months before leaving.
The Brutal Baina Apartment Robbery
The crime occurred on November 18 when masked assailants forced their way into a seventh-floor apartment at Chamundi Arcade in Vasco. The assailants, who covered their heads with helmets and were armed with iron and aluminium rods, brutally assaulted the family living there. They fled with gold and silver ornaments estimated to be worth a staggering Rs 70 lakh.
Director General of Police Alok Kumar confirmed on Thursday that the mastermind was Suresh alias Golak Malik, a former worker employed by the Nayak family. Using his insider knowledge of the apartment's layout, he planned and executed the heist. "After a gap of 8 months, prior to the dacoity, he returned to Goa with other accused and executed the dacoity," SP Verma detailed.
Nationwide Manhunt and Recovery
Following leads, Goa Police dispatched multiple teams across state lines. Teams were sent to Maharashtra and one to Odisha to track down the suspects. The coordinated effort resulted in the arrest of all six accused last week. The arrested individuals, besides the mastermind, are Bijay Kumar Swain, Banshidhar Malik, Suryakant Malik, Rajesh alias Sharat Malik, and Markandya Malik.
In a significant breakthrough for the investigation, almost all the stolen items have been recovered. Police are currently searching for a seventh accused in the case and have expressed confidence in making an arrest soon.
