Sambalpur, June 18: Jharsuguda police claimed to have busted a laptop robbery gang by arresting two members.

The duo has been identified as Seikh Imtiyaz, 35, and Seikh Akram, 32. The police have recovered seven laptops from their possession.

Acting on a tip-off, the police raided a house in Telibata area of the town and recovered stolen laptops from their possession last night.

Police have produced the two to in court.

“Seikh Imtiyaz has been involved in many cases. As many as 15 cases are registered in his name in several police stations,” said Amitav Panda, sub-inspector in Jharsuguda police station.

“The duo was stealing laptops from trains. They travelled in air-conditioned coaches with businessman and professionals. They used to become friendly with their co-passengers, gain their confidence and steal their laptops at night,” said Panda.

“With a rise in the number of industries in Jharsuguda district, the number of crimes has also increased. Criminals from neighbouring states often come to Jharsuguda. They generally stay in rented houses here and run a racket. Earlier, police had arrested a person who was running an arms-smuggling racket,” said Sunil Khandelwal, a local resident of Jharsuguda.

“Earlier luggage, ornaments, cash and mobile phones were stolen from trains. Now, the robbers have added laptop to their list,” said Kishore Pandey, a businessman and a resident of Jharsuguda.

“They used to sell them for less than half the price. Laptop worth Rs 35,000 used to be sold at a price of Rs 15,000. These men never have dearth of customers,” said Amitav Panda. “We are yet to know the names of the persons to whom the two were selling these laptops,” said Kailsh Chandra Acharya, inspector in-charge of Jharsuguda police station.

“Investigation is still on. A case has been registered in their names at Jharsuguda police station and the duo has been forwarded to court,” added Acharya.