Kataka: Acting on a tip-off, the Commissionerate Police arrested four members of an inter-district criminal gang during blocking and frisking operations in Kataka city late Tuesday night.

A team of Commissionerate Police conducted a raid and apprehended the four suspects who were allegedly planning to rob jewellery showrooms and petrol pumps in the city. The arrests were made in the Chauliaganj police station area. Weapons and a car were also seized from their possession.

ACP, Zone-5, Sudhansu Bhusan Jena, said the four accused have 11 serious criminal cases registered against them at different police stations. They are allegedly involved in several cases of robbery, threats to kill and bomb attacks in areas including Khordha, Jatani and Jankia.

Police collected photographs of the accused and checked them through a facial recognition system, following which they were identified as wanted criminals.

The arrests come ahead of the festive season, when the Commissionerate Police has intensified surveillance and checking across the city to prevent criminal activities and ensure the safety of commercial establishments.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the gang’s involvement in other criminal activities and identify any additional members or planned targets.