Police in Rourkela have made significant headway in two separate criminal incidents, apprehending three individuals linked to a high-value burglary and a domestic gas cylinder theft. The arrests led to the recovery of stolen valuables, including silver jewellery and cash.
Major Burglary in Chhend Colony Unraveled
The first and more substantial case dates back to late December 2025. Sandhyarani Mohapatra, a 42-year-old resident of Chhend colony and native of Ganjam, had left Rourkela with her family for Bhubaneswar on December 22. Upon their return on January 2, 2026, they were met with a distressing scene.
The family discovered their house door and almirah locks forcibly broken. A thorough check revealed that valuables estimated to be worth approximately Rs 4 lakh were missing. The stolen items included:
- Rs 30,000 in cash
- Silver plates and jewellery
- Wristwatches
Acting on the complaint, Rourkela Police launched an investigation which led to the arrest of two suspects.
Arrests and Recovery in Burglary Case
The police team successfully tracked down and arrested Chandan Singh (33) and Kasinath Majhi (36). Both men are residents of Malgodam, which falls under the Uditnagar police station limits.
Following their arrest, a portion of the stolen goods was recovered. The police seized silver jewellery, a golden watch, a scooter, and Rs 3,000 in cash. Investigations further revealed that the prime accused, Chandan Singh, is a repeat offender. He has multiple criminal cases registered against him in various police stations across Rourkela, including Raghunathpalli, Tangarpalli, Chhend, Uditnagar, and Bondamunda.
Separate Case: LPG Cylinder Theft in Kalinga Vihar
In a second, unrelated incident, the police arrested a man for stealing a domestic cooking gas cylinder. The theft occurred on January 5, 2026, from a house located in Kalinga Vihar, within the Chhend area.
The complainant, Subrat Kumar Sahoo, along with another vigilant local resident, noticed the theft in progress. They bravely chased and managed to physically apprehend the suspect before handing him over to the authorities.
The police identified the accused as Prakash Ray, a 27-year-old from Shantinagar basti in Sector-14. The stolen LPG cylinder was recovered from him. Police records indicate that Prakash Ray also has a history of criminal activity, with previous cases filed against him at the Chhend and Sector-15 police stations.
Police Action and Public Vigilance
The swift action by Rourkela Police in both cases highlights their ongoing efforts to curb property crimes in the city. The second case, in particular, underscores the effectiveness of community vigilance and public cooperation with law enforcement. The courageous effort by Subrat Kumar Sahoo and his neighbour directly led to the immediate arrest of the thief and recovery of the property.
These arrests serve as a warning to criminal elements while reassuring residents about police responsiveness. Investigations into both matters are continuing to ascertain if the accused are involved in other unsolved crimes in the Rourkela region.
