Puttur: Police in Puttur Kasaba have arrested a couple for allegedly attempting a midnight burglary at the residence of an 84-year-old retired principal, A V Narayana. The accused have been identified as Karthik Rao (31) and his wife K S Swathi Rao (25). Authorities have also seized a motorcycle that was allegedly used during the commission of the crime. The arrests follow an investigation into an incident that took place earlier this month and caused concern among residents of the locality.
According to police, the case relates to an attempted burglary reported on December 17, when Narayana and his wife were at home. The incident, though it did not result in any loss of property, involved threats and physical struggle, prompting the police to invoke serious sections of law.
Incident reported by elderly couple
According to the complaint lodged by Narayana, the incident occurred around midnight on December 17. He stated that two unidentified individuals entered his house through the back door. The intruders were reportedly wearing helmets and had concealed their faces to avoid identification.
In his statement to the police, Narayana said the intruders threatened both him and his wife and attempted to steal valuables from the house. “They threatened both me and my wife and tried to steal our valuables. During the struggle, my wife was hurt, and I had to shout loudly,” he said.
The sudden commotion and Narayana’s cries for help appear to have startled the intruders. Police said the assailants fled the house through the back door without stealing any valuables. Although no items were reported missing, Narayana’s wife sustained injuries during the struggle, which added to the seriousness of the offence.
The incident caused anxiety among neighbours, particularly because the victims are elderly and live independently.
Police case and legal provisions
Based on Narayana’s complaint, the Puttur City police registered Case No. 127/2025. The case has been booked under Sections 307 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Police officials said the sections were invoked considering the alleged threats, the physical struggle and the vulnerability of the victims. The use of stringent legal provisions reflects the seriousness with which the police are treating crimes against senior citizens.
Investigation and identification of accused
Following the registration of the case, police launched a detailed investigation. This included examining CCTV footage from nearby areas, collecting statements from residents and tracking vehicle movement on the night of the incident.
The investigation led police to identify the accused as Karthik Rao, a resident of the Puttur–Muduru area who was staying in a rented house at Panj, and his wife Swathi Rao. During the probe, police also seized a motorcycle that is believed to have been used by the couple to reach the victim’s house and flee after the attempted burglary.
Police officials revealed that Karthik Rao had been working as an assistant priest, a detail that surprised many in the local community.
Accused remanded to custody
After their arrest, the accused were produced before the court and remanded to police custody. Officials said further interrogation is underway to determine whether the couple was involved in similar incidents elsewhere.
Police are also investigating the motive behind the attempted burglary and whether the accused had any prior acquaintance with the victim or specific knowledge about the household. “We are examining all possible angles, including whether this was a targeted attempt or an opportunistic crime,” a senior police officer said.
Concerns over senior citizen safety
The incident has once again highlighted concerns about the safety of senior citizens, especially those living alone or with minimal support. Residents of the area have called for increased night patrolling and improved surveillance in residential neighbourhoods.
Police have advised citizens to ensure proper locking arrangements, adequate lighting around their houses and prompt reporting of suspicious activity. They also stressed the importance of community vigilance in preventing such crimes.
Conclusion
The arrest of the couple has brought some relief to the victim and residents of the area. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater attention to the safety of elderly citizens. With the accused currently in police custody, investigators are continuing their probe to establish all facts and ensure that appropriate legal action is taken.