Bhubaneswar theft case ends in conviction in just 22 days

In an instance of foolproof investigation and swift judicial process, a theft case registered under Laxmisagar police limits in Bhubaneswar ended in the conviction of the accused within just 22 days of the FIR being lodged.

The complainant, Susanta Kumar Behera, had reported on May 8 that an unidentified person had trespassed into his residence on the intervening night of May 4 and 5 while the family was asleep. The intruder allegedly attempted to steal a box kept near the complainant’s head, police said.

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Behera woke up during the incident and raised an alarm. Family members chased the offender, whom the complainant identified as Manoj Kumar Samantaray. Although the accused managed to flee, it was later discovered that gold and silver ornaments, including a mangal sutra, a pair of earrings and a pair of silver bangles, had been stolen from the box.

Acting swiftly, police arrested Manoj Kumar Samantaray on May 9 and produced him before the court the same day. The investigation was completed in a time-bound manner, and the chargesheet was filed on May 15, merely seven days after the registration of the case.

The matter was taken up for priority trial, which concluded on May 30 with the court holding the accused guilty. The court sentenced Samantaray to two years and five months of imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 30,000.

Police officials said the entire process—from registration of the FIR to conviction—was completed within 22 days, underscoring coordinated efforts by the investigating team, prosecution and judiciary in ensuring speedy justice.

The Urban Police District (UPD), Bhubaneswar, has been placing special emphasis on fast-track investigation and prosecution of criminal cases. The district recorded 35 speedy convictions during 2025 and has secured 25 such convictions till May 31, 2026, reflecting its sustained focus on professional policing and timely justice delivery.