Rourkela: Luck ran out for a group of dacoits who were caught within days of committing the crime at Jagda. Police on Sunday arrested three of the gang members, while three others are absconding.

"They had just formed the group and this was their first crime and they got caught. The photocopy of an Aadhaar card of found from the crime spot led to the arrest of the three members. Those absconding will be nabbed soon," said sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) D.P. Dash.

The police arrested Dhiraj Sahoo, 19, of Malgodam, ward No. 19, the mastermind behind the crime and two of his associates Sarfaraj Ansari, alias Chirku, 21, and Manwar Ansari, 19, of Lathikata, and recovered almost all goods stolen during the dacoity, which included, gold, diamond rings, wrist watches and cash.

Besides, one country-made single shot pistol, four live ammunitions, two masks and two katuris had been recovered.

On July 11, the six armed goons entered the house of retired government revenue inspector Nruingha Tripathy, who was away at Saraikela with his wife. At that time, his eldest son Sumanta and Sudipta were present in the ground and first floors of the house, respectively.

The gang first entered the first floor of the house and took away belongings from Sudipta after tying up his entire family. Then they raided the ground floor and robbed his elder brother. The incident took place between 2.30pm and 3pm.

The SDPO said: "Sahoo is a tile and marble mason. He had worked in the house. So, he was aware of the house and knew when it was the right time to strike. But they left behind the Aadhaar card of a woman that led to the arrest. We are trying to find out if the woman has any link with the group."

He said those on the run were from Bihar.