Kartik Kumar
Pakur
Pakur Police have arrested two members of an alleged inter-state mobile theft gang and recovered six stolen mobile phones along with ₹7,390 in cash, barely 24 hours after a series of thefts were reported during the town’s Rath Yatra celebrations.
Addressing a press conference at Pakur Town Police Station on Friday, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Kumar Gaurav said the accused took advantage of the heavy rush during Thursday’s Rath Yatra and allegedly stole mobile phones, wallets and cash from devotees gathered along the town’s main road.
Following multiple complaints lodged by victims, including Biswajit Sarkar, Vandana Devi, Pramila Mandal, Priyanka Devi, Padmavati Devi and Namita Mandal, six separate FIRs were registered. Acting on the instructions of Superintendent of Police Anudeep Singh, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted under the leadership of the SDPO.
The police launched raids at multiple locations and, using technical evidence, arrested Sohan Singh and Rekha Devi, both residents of Pandaveswar police station area in West Bengal’s Purba Bardhaman district. During interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to their involvement in the thefts.
Police recovered six stolen mobile phones and ₹7,390 in cash from their possession. Both accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
The SDPO said the month-long Rath Fair attracts thousands of visitors from Pakur and neighbouring areas every year, making it vulnerable to theft incidents. He urged visitors to remain vigilant and take care of their mobile phones, wallets, jewellery and other valuables while visiting crowded places.
He also said a recommendation would be sent to the Superintendent of Police to reward the members of the SIT for solving the case within 24 hours.
The investigation team included the Officer-in-Charge of Pakur Town Police Station, several sub-inspectors, assistant sub-inspectors and armed police personnel.
