Sambalpur, Sept. 5: Sambalpur police today arrested five persons, allegedly involved in different crimes, including a shooting outside a roadside dhaba on August 21.

The police recovered a mauser, two motor bikes and live ammunition from them, identified as Rupesh Kusum, Ashis Aind, Amit Sandha, Siba Bag and Buti Suna.

Superintendent of police Nikhil Kanodia said: “Rupesh Kusum, Ashis Aind and Amit Sandha were involved in a shooting on August 21 at Sarlakani in Sambalpur.

They had opened fire after an altercation with the dhaba owner.

When one person had tried to prevent them, they shot at him and fled after ransacking the dhaba.”

In another breakthrough, the police arrested Siba and his accomplice, Buti. The duo were involved in a case of dacoity and extortion. “On September 2, the duo had looted a bike at Ainthapali area of the city. Ainthapali police of Sambalpur had registered a case in Ainthapali police station. They had also extorted money from a person on that day,” said superintendent of police Nikhil Kanodia.

“There are as many as 20 cases lodged against Siba in different police stations of Sambalpur. There are 10 cases in the name of Buti in Ainthapali and Town police stations of Sambalpur.

Deputy inspector general of police (northern range) Sanjay Kumar said: “A special team, headed by an inspector, will be formed in Sambalpur to curb crime. Gun culture will not be allowed in Sambalpur. Stringent action will be taken against the criminals.”