Police in Odisha have arrested a thief who posed as a police officer and stole mobile phones from unsuspecting people. The accused, Jagannath Bhagat, was arrested in Rourkela and identified as the culprit in multiple incidents. He reportedly visited mobile phone showrooms pretending to be a police officer and then robbed them by diverting the shopkeeper’s attention.
Following his arrest, the police recovered 33 stolen mobile phones from Bhagat’s home in Bonai. He admitted to using his fake police uniform to rob mobile phones from people. He explained that people are afraid of police and therefore are more likely to give up their belongings. He also admitted to selling some stolen phones for a profit.
According to Shanta Nutan Samad, the SDPO of Panposh district, victims of such crimes often hesitate to report them to the police. This is due to a perceived lack of investigation effectiveness. Bhagat has a history of criminal activity, including two previous cases registered against him by the GRP. The police are now verifying his other criminal antecedents.
This incident highlights the importance of being cautious when approached by police officers or other authority figures. It is always an excellent idea to verify their credentials before handing over any personal belongings or information. Additionally, if you have been a victim of theft, it is important to report it to the police in order to increase the chances of recovering stolen property and bringing the culprits to justice.