GADAG: A sudden spurt in thefts and robberies over the past three days has left residents of Gadag district stunned and anxious. After months of relative calm, the district has now reported three alarming incidents in rapid succession, shaking public confidence and putting police on high alert.

The most shocking of the cases occurred on Wednesday night in Betageri, where a gang of masked men stormed into a petrol bunk, hurled chilli powder into the eyes of staffer Fakkiresh, and escaped with a cash bag containing ₹14,000 and a mobile phone. The gang smashed the glass door and ransacked the bunk before fleeing the scene.

Just a night earlier, a locked house in Mulagund was broken into, with robbers looting valuables worth around ₹10 lakh. The incident was reported at the Mulagund police station. Three days ago in Shiratti, a man was robbed at knifepoint by masked assailants wielding machetes and sickles.

These crimes have deeply unsettled the public. Locals, who previously felt safe, are now urging authorities to restore law and order swiftly.

Superintendent of Police B S Nemagouda confirmed that no major thefts had been reported in recent months, but acknowledged the sudden spike. He said CCTV footage from the crime scenes has offered vital clues, and that the culprits may belong to a gang from another state.

To counter the surge, the police have:

  • Formed three special teams, each led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)

  • Intensified night patrolling, including lurking beats in vulnerable areas

  • Started installing CCTV cameras in front of locked homes upon resident request

  • Encouraged people going out of town to notify police for added vigilance

    • The police say arrests are imminent, and efforts are underway to bring back normalcy and public trust.