Meja, Prayagraj:
A major burglary in Gaharpur village of Meja has once again raised serious questions about the crumbling law-and-order situation in the district.
Armed with nothing but audacity and the confidence that they would not be caught, thieves broke into the house of Advocate Mahendra Kumar Dubey, former president of the Meja Bar Association, and made away with gold and silver ornaments worth nearly ₹15 lakh, along with ₹7,600 in cash.
How the Incident Unfolded
On Sunday night, after the family members had finished dinner and gone to sleep, the burglars struck.
Entering the premises from the rear side of the house, they forced their way into the rooms belonging to Anil Kumar Dwivedi and Mahendra Kumar Dwivedi. The miscreants broke open the locks of cupboards and boxes and looted the jewellery and cash kept inside.
At around 4 a.m., the family members were startled awake by the incessant barking of dogs. Upon checking, they found locks broken, cupboards ransacked, and valuables missing. The atmosphere of security inside their home had been shattered.
Police Response
The family immediately dialed 112, and the police did arrive at the scene. However, instead of taking urgent follow-up measures or mounting a chase, they conducted a cursory inspection and returned.
The advocate’s brother, Dinesh Kumar Dwivedi, later lodged a formal complaint at Meja Police Station, naming five unidentified thieves and demanding a thorough investigation.
Rising Crime, Fading Vigilance
This incident has highlighted a pattern that villagers have been whispering about for months:
- Police patrolling after midnight seems to have virtually disappeared.
- The concept of beat constables on night duty, once considered the backbone of rural policing, now appears forgotten.
- These lapses in vigilance and accountability have emboldened criminal elements, who now strike at will.
After lying low for some time, crime in the district appears to be making a comeback, and residents fear that without strong corrective measures, such burglaries will only multiply.
Advocate’s Household Targeted
The theft has created particular outrage in the community because the victim, Advocate Mahendra Kumar Dwivedi, is not only a respected legal professional but also a former leader of the bar. While he resides in the city, his family continues to live in the ancestral village house, which has now been left vulnerable to criminal attacks.
Growing Concerns
The repeated cases of burglary and theft in recent weeks underscore a troubling reality: criminals are no longer afraid of the law. For residents of Meja and surrounding areas, this theft serves as yet another reminder that security has become a matter of luck rather than law enforcement.
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