Police recover 19th-century coins from thieves in Palamu

Daltonganj, January 14: Are the thieves arrested in Palamu numismatists? The recovery of antique Indian coins may raise curiosity, but police say the answer is a clear no. The possession of rare coins by the accused suggests criminal activity, rather than an interest in history or coin collecting.

Police recovered Indian one-rupee coins dating back to 1875, 1878, and 1901 from the thieves. The coins were seized during a burglary investigation in Daltonganj.

Coins Stolen Like Any Other Household Item

Superintendent of Police Reeshma Ramesan told mediapersons that the accused did not know the antiquity or historical value of the coins. According to her, the thieves stole the coins just as casually as they stole shaving cream and shaving brushes.

The old coins were neither collected as a hobby nor preserved with any awareness of their significance.

Gold Religious Lockets Also Recovered

Along with the coins, police also recovered a gold hexagonal locket of Lord Bajrang Bali and a rectangular gold locket of Goddess Durga from the accused. Police clarified that possessing religious items obtained through theft does not make the individuals who possess them religious.

Five Arrested, Burglary Ran as Family Network

Four male thieves were arrested and sent to jail late Tuesday evening. Two of them were involved in burglary as a family practice. A woman was also arrested for her role in the burglary network.

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One of the accused, Raja Dome, has a sister in Ranchi who helps dispose of stolen goods. Sunita, the mother of another accused, Akash, manages the disposal of stolen items in Daltonganj.

Police Tighten Grip on Organised Theft

The arrests highlight the presence of organised and family-run burglary networks in the Palamu region. Police officials said further investigation is underway.

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