Bhubaneswar: Cops are in tizzy over the loot of gold jewellery from a Cuttack-based businessman allegedly by a conman who donned police uniform in Patia.

Gold ornaments weighing around 100 grams was looted from Bijay Jena, 55, on Thursday afternoon.

The police said Jena, a resident of Pithapur in Cuttack, was returning from Bhubaneswar when a group of about six people intercepted him.

"Jena alleged that one of them was wearing police uniform and asked him to stop for frisking. The group members said that the a drive was being conducted to check vehicles for narcotic substances. They asked Jena to keep all his valuables on a handkerchief. The victim placed all his valuables, including gold rings and gold chains, in the storage compartment of his scooty," said a police officer.

The group allowed him to leave after frisking. However, later, Jena, a supplier of pet birds, opened the compartment and found his valuables missing.

"Jena lodged a formal complaint with Infocity police station on Thursday evening. We have started an investigation after registering a case. We are also trying to find out CCTV footages of nearby shops to get clues," said a police officer.

This is the second incident in a week in Bhubaneswarwhere the accused wore police uniform to con people.

Deputy commissioner of police Satyabrata Bhoi suspects hand of a specialised gang behind the crime. "Police officers must have their names displayed on their uniform. Besides they also carry ID. We urge the residents to ask for identity proof in such situations," Bhoi said.