Commissionerate Police have arrested nine adults and five juveniles in connection with the theft cases. Police have reportedly recovered 22 mobile phones, one gold chain and an expensive tablet from the suspects.
Investigators said the alleged thefts took place at crowded festival locations, where criminals could take advantage of the rush. The suspects reportedly came from Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.
Cases have been registered at six police stations: Nayapalli, Khandagiri, Mancheswar, Saheed Nagar, Sri Lingaraj and Laxmisagar. Police have also detained 17 additional suspects for questioning.
To control crime during the festival, authorities deployed plainclothes personnel, installed CCTV cameras and intensified patrolling at major gathering points.
The incidents have raised concerns about public safety at crowded events. Police continue efforts to identify suspects and recover stolen property.
Source: Prameya News, October 24, 2026.
