Bantwal: A locked house in Sajipa Munnur village of Bantwal taluk was burgled, with thieves making away with gold ornaments worth around Rs 40,000 and Rs 5,000 in cash.
The incident took place at the residence of Prafulla Janet D’Cruz while she was away with her children. A case has been registered at Bantwal town police station, and an investigation is underway.
House found ransacked after family returns
According to the complaint, Prafulla had travelled to Bellare with her children on the evening of September 14. She returned to the house on the morning of September 15.
On entering the house, she noticed that the bed in her bedroom had been moved. She then checked the room and found that the wardrobe had been opened, with clothes scattered around.
Further inspection revealed that another wardrobe in the house had also been opened and its contents had been disturbed. The condition of the rooms indicated that the intruders had searched the house for valuables.
Prafulla subsequently realised that gold ornaments and cash were missing from the house.
Gold earrings and cash stolen
The thieves allegedly took two pairs of gold earrings weighing around 4 grams from the wardrobe. The ornaments have been estimated to be worth approximately Rs 40,000.
In addition to the jewellery, the burglars allegedly stole Rs 5,000 in cash that had been kept in a box near the sofa.
The total reported loss in the burglary is therefore around Rs 45,000, apart from the damage caused while gaining entry to the house and searching the rooms.
The miscreants allegedly opened another wardrobe and scattered clothes while looking for valuables.
Rear entrance suspected to be point of entry
Based on the condition of the property, it is suspected that the thieves entered the house through the rear portion.
The complaint states that the miscreants allegedly broke the lock of an iron door in the rear work area. They then reportedly forced open the wooden back door of the house to gain access to the interior.
The damaged locks and doors have become part of the investigation as police work to establish how the burglars entered and left the property.
The fact that the house was locked when the alleged burglary took place is also being examined by investigators as they piece together the sequence of events.
Bantwal police begin investigation
Following the complaint, Bantwal town police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the burglary.
Police are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the break-in and gather evidence from the house. The condition of the doors, locks, wardrobes and other areas allegedly disturbed by the thieves may help investigators establish the manner in which the house was entered.
The movement of the occupants before and after the incident and other available leads may also form part of the investigation.
The burglary has caused concern for the house owner, who discovered that the property had been targeted during her absence. Police are continuing their efforts to identify the persons involved and recover the stolen property.