Prayagraj: In a disturbing chain of events, a series of burglaries rattled the Kotwali region on Sunday night, with criminals striking multiple homes across Virkaji village and nearby areas.
The coordinated incidents, carried out with similar methods, have created a sense of fear among residents, who are now demanding stronger police action and security measures.
First Major Incident: Transport Manager’s Family Targeted
The most alarming case occurred at the house of Mohammad Shahid, an area manager with a transport company. Around midnight, burglars used a ladder to scale the wall behind his home and slipped into the courtyard.
They broke into the room of Shahid’s wife, Afrin Fatima, and at knifepoint and under the threat of a sickle, held her hostage. Terrifying her with death threats, the intruders forced Afrin to open the cupboard and surrender her jewellery and cash.
- Loot details:
- 16 tolas of gold jewellery
- Several silver ornaments
- ₹6,000 in cash
- Estimated total value: over ₹18 lakhs
As soon as the burglars fled, Afrin raised an alarm. Her father-in-law, who had been asleep in another room, rushed out, and villagers gathered quickly. Unfortunately, the miscreants had already disappeared into the night. Police from the IFCO outpost arrived, inspected the scene, and left after preliminary checks.
Second Incident: Attempt at Farhan Ahmed’s House
Not far from the first crime scene, criminals attempted to rob the home of Farhan Ahmed. Using a ladder, they climbed onto the roof and tried to enter an inner room. However, Farhan’s mother spotted them just in time. Her loud cries for help scared the intruders away, saving the family from loss.
Third Incident: Hori Lal Bhartiya’s Residence
Another group of burglars targeted the house of Hori Lal Bhartiya. Just like the previous cases, they descended into the courtyard using a ladder. However, resistance and noise inside the home disrupted their plan, forcing them to flee before they could carry out the theft.
Fourth Incident: Fruit Vendor’s Home on Virkaji Road
The chain of attempted robberies continued at the house of a fruit vendor on Virkaji Road. As the burglars tried to steal, family members woke up and raised an alarm. The culprits abandoned their attempt and escaped once again.
Fifth Incident: Major Burglary at Rakesh Kumar’s Mini Bank
The most damaging burglary of the night took place in Mahulia Crossing, Phoolpur Kotwali area, at the residence of Rakesh Kumar, a villager who runs a mini bank.
The burglars cut open the shutter lock and entered the premises. This time, they managed to escape with:
- Three laptops
- Three printers
- ₹1.40 lakh in cash
- CCTV DVR system
- Other valuables worth several lakhs
This well-planned theft not only robbed Rakesh Kumar of property but also of critical banking equipment, creating additional hardship for locals who depend on his services.
Police Response
While police officials inspected the first crime scene at Afrin Fatima’s house, villagers allege that no strong measures were taken to immediately track down the culprits.
Locals are deeply concerned that burglars managed to strike at five different homes in a single night and escaped without being caught.
Residents are demanding:
- Enhanced night patrols in rural areas
- Installation of more CCTV surveillance
- Stronger follow-up investigations to break the burglary network
Villagers’ Reactions
The series of burglaries has left villagers shaken.
Many expressed anger and frustration at the repeated targeting of homes in Virkaji and the surrounding areas. Families that suffered losses say they feel unsafe in their own homes.
The theft at Rakesh Kumar’s mini bank has added to worries, as it directly affects community services and financial access.
The back-to-back burglaries have revealed not only the boldness of criminals but also gaps in rural security measures. As villagers continue to live in fear, all eyes are now on the police to swiftly identify and apprehend the culprits before further incidents occur.
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