Commissionerate Police: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Feb 13: After a 19-day extensive investigation, the Commissionerate Police on Thursday claimed to have cracked the high-profile burglary at the residence of senior Congress leader Niranjan Patnaik with the arrest of the prime suspect from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
The accused has been identified as Shakti Reddy, also known as “Spider.” He was apprehended on Wednesday and is being brought to Bhubaneswar on a transit remand. According to sources, all stolen valuables, including gold ornaments and cash, have been recovered from his possession.
Police have yet to disclose more details about Reddy, who is believed to be an interstate criminal operating outside Odisha.
The burglary took place in the early hours of January 26, when the thief broke into the second floor of Patnaik’s house in Bhubaneswar’s VIP Colony. He managed to steal gold ornaments worth ₹50 lakh and ₹2.5 lakh in cash, despite the presence of private security guards and heightened security due to Republic Day celebrations.
Following the incident, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi had assured Patnaik of a swift investigation.
Notably, just two days later, another burglary attempt was made at Patnaik’s other residence in the same locality. One suspect was caught while trying to scale the boundary wall, raising concerns about the security lapses in the area.
