In a brazen robbery, miscreants reportedly looted Rs 8,18,100 from government officials transporting pension distribution money in Keonjhar district, Odisha, on Monday. The incident occurred near Mukuna Bazaar under Sadar police station limits.

According to reports, the Executive Officer of Bauripada Panchayat and the Additional District Education Officer (ADEO) had withdrawn the cash from an HDFC Bank branch in Keonjhar earlier in the morning. They were en route to the panchayat office for pension distribution in Bauripada Panchayat when the robbery took place.

Open Firing During the Robbery

Police said three unidentified miscreants on a red motorcycle intercepted the officials’ vehicle near Mukuna Bazaar. They demanded the bags containing the cash, and when the officials refused, the assailants reportedly fired a round from a firearm before snatching the two bags containing the money. The miscreants then fled the scene at high speed.

Officials Describe the Incident

Tushar Soren, PEO of Bauripada Panchayat, said, “Three miscreants intercepted us near Mukuna Bazaar and demanded the cash-filled bags. When we refused, they fired one round and also took away our vehicle keys. I had collected the pension money as the bank was closed earlier, but they took everything.”

Abhimanyu Sahoo, ADEO of Bauripada, added, “We left the bank around 10 am after withdrawing Rs 8,18,100. The miscreants took the money and fled on a motorcycle, and we could not stop them.”

Binod Panda, BDO of Sadar, noted, “Three miscreants opened fire and looted the cash. After the incident, the officials approached the sarpanch and me, and an FIR was lodged. We always advise that pension money can be transferred digitally. The officials carried the cash at their own risk.”

Security Concerns Raised

The incident has raised questions about adherence to security protocols. Government rules reportedly require officials to inform police when transporting large sums for pension distribution. Police have initiated an investigation into the robbery, but it remains unclear why authorities were not notified prior to the transport.