Kalahandi: Kesinga police in Odisha's Kalahandi district have busted an alleged inter-district theft racket and arrested six persons, including five alleged thieves and a receiver, in connection with a major burglary case.

Police seized Rs 2.70 lakh in cash, 72 grams of gold and 1,038 grams of silver from the accused.

According to police, the gang allegedly targeted the house of a prominent businessman in Kasinga on July 21, when no one was present. The accused reportedly decamped with cash and valuables worth around Rs 30 lakh.

Following the incident, Kesinga police launched an investigation and conducted raids at several locations, leading to the arrests and recovery of the stolen valuables.

Police said the alleged theft network extended from Rayagada to Kesinga. Two of the accused are reportedly linked to 11 theft cases in Rayagada district.

The arrested persons have been identified as Naresh Tandi, allegedly the prime accused, Prami Srikant of JK Pur in Rayagada, Rahul Samal, Tejaba Naik, Huka Dutiya and Ravi Shankar Mahanandia.

According to Kalahandi SP Nagaraj Devarakonda, Naresh Tandi, who works as a lift operator at Kasinga hospital, is allegedly the main accused. Police suspect that he brought the other accused together and had previously made several attempts to commit theft.

The SP said two of the arrested persons were allegedly involved in 11 theft cases in Rayagada district.

The investigation was conducted under the leadership of SDPO Sandeep Majhi, with Kesinga IIC Jitendra Biswal and his team working on the case.

Police are continuing their investigation to establish the gang's involvement in other theft cases and identify any additional members or receivers.