Mangaluru: Burglars broke into the residence of a small-scale businessman at Kinnigoli and decamped with gold ornaments and cash after forcing open the main door, in an incident reported under the Mulki police station limits. The theft occurred when the family had stepped out due to a medical emergency, leaving the house unattended for several hours.
The victim has been identified as Pavan Kumar, a local entrepreneur. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation. A forensic team and dog squad have inspected the house as part of evidence collection, while officers are examining possible leads, including whether the offenders had prior knowledge of the family’s movements.
Break-in during medical emergency
According to the complaint filed with Mulki police, the burglary took place when members of the household were away attending to an urgent medical situation. Investigators believe the accused took advantage of the temporary absence and targeted the house after confirming that no one was present inside.
Burglars allegedly forced open the main door to gain entry. After entering the residence, they are said to have searched the premises and broken open an almirah where valuables were stored. Gold jewellery and cash kept inside were stolen before the offenders fled the scene.
Police said there were visible signs of forced entry and disturbance inside the house, indicating a deliberate and hurried search for valuables.
Jewellery and cash stolen
While the exact quantity and value of the stolen gold ornaments and cash are yet to be officially disclosed, police confirmed that both jewellery and money were taken. The family is in the process of providing a detailed list of missing items to assist investigators and insurance formalities, if applicable.
Officers said such burglaries often involve quick targeting of storage units such as cupboards and lockers, with offenders focusing on easily portable valuables like gold ornaments and currency.
Investigators are also checking whether any nearby CCTV cameras captured suspicious movement around the time of the incident.
Safety concern for elderly resident
Though no one was physically harmed in the incident, the burglary has triggered serious concern within the family and neighbourhood because Pavan Kumar’s elderly mother resides in the house. Family members said the emotional impact and fear caused by the break-in are greater than the financial loss.
“More than the financial loss, the safety of our mother is our biggest concern,” a family member said, expressing anxiety over the vulnerability of elderly persons living alone or with limited support.
Local residents have echoed these concerns and urged authorities to strengthen patrolling in residential pockets, especially where senior citizens stay alone during the day.
Forensic team and dog squad visit spot
Following the complaint, Mulki police visited the location and conducted a preliminary inspection. On Monday, a forensic science team and a police dog squad were brought to the scene to gather technical evidence.
Forensic personnel examined entry points, locks, surfaces, and storage areas for fingerprints and other trace evidence. The dog squad was deployed to pick up scent trails that could help identify the direction in which the suspects fled.
Police sources said such technical examinations are crucial in property crime cases, particularly when there are no immediate eyewitnesses.
Familiarity with household suspected
Investigators suspect that the burglars may have had prior knowledge of the household’s routine and the family’s temporary absence. The timing of the break-in has raised the possibility that the offenders were aware of the medical emergency or had been monitoring the house.
Police are questioning neighbours, nearby shopkeepers, and regular visitors to the area. They are also reviewing recent activity around the house and checking whether any domestic workers, delivery personnel, or casual labourers had access to information about the family’s schedule.
However, officers clarified that all angles are being examined and no conclusion has yet been reached.
Rise in burglary cases raises alarm
The incident comes amid reports of a noticeable rise in burglary and housebreaking cases in and around Mangaluru in recent days. Residents in several localities have called for enhanced night patrolling, quicker response systems, and community alert networks.
Police officials said preventive steps such as improved lighting, installation of CCTV cameras, secure door and lock systems, and informing neighbours before extended absences can help reduce risk.
They have assured the public that special focus is being given to property crime cases and that efforts are under way to identify and apprehend the accused in the Kinnigoli burglary at the earliest.
Conclusion
The Kinnigoli house break-in has once again highlighted the vulnerability of unattended homes, especially those with elderly residents. With forensic analysis and local intelligence gathering in progress, Mulki police are working to trace the culprits. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activity to help prevent similar incidents.