Bhubaneswar, Sept. 24: Police today busted a robbers' gang and arrested eight accused, including two juveniles.

The cops also seized a pistol and Rs 60,000 in cash from the gang members who were involved in around 20 snatching and robbery cases in the state capital and other places across the state.

The arrested gang members have been identified as A. Santu, 21, Avula Naidu, 22, Ramu Das, 35, D. Inod, 19, Siba Das, 22, and M. Kiran, 27. However, the police have not revealed the identities of the two juveniles.

Bhubaneswar deputy commissioner of police Satyabrata Bhoi said the gang mostly targeted commuters on the national highway passing through the city and people withdrawing cash from ATMs.

'The gang was also involved in similar crimes in Jajpur, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts. We are trying to nab other members,' said Bhoi.

The police have started a special drive against criminals this month with an eye on Durga Puja. On Wednesday, notorious criminal A. Shiva was injured in an encounter near Jayadev Vatika under Khandagiri police limits. Shiva, a native of Ganjam, was involved in a number of snatching cases in the city.

The police said the special squad and quick action team had been asked to intensify the drive against snatchers and robbers. 'Police stations concerned have been asked to prepare the list of snatchers and other criminals and verify whether they are in jail or out on bail,' said a police officer.

However, the arrival of a gang from Tamil Nadu that has been involved in several robberies by dropping currency notes has become a concern. Though the gang has not managed to commit a major crime, they have made several attempts this month.

'We have been advising residents not to keep valuables and cash in their cars as they can become easy target for the gang during the Puja rush. We urge the residents to remain alert whenever any unknown person tells them that they had dropped cash on the ground,' said a senior police officer.