Mangaluru: An elderly woman was assaulted and robbed at her residence in Vagga Kavala Paduru village of Bantwal taluk, following which Bantwal Rural Police have registered a theft and robbery case. The incident occurred when the woman was alone at home, and the accused allegedly gained entry by pretending to be a known person.
Police said the suspect targeted the house after confirming that only the elderly woman was present and used deception before carrying out the assault and theft. A case has been registered and investigation is under way to trace the unidentified accused.
Intruder posed as acquaintance
Mangaluru According to the complaint filed by Ganesh (43), the victim’s son, his mother was alone at home rolling beedis when an unknown man came to the house and asked whether Ganesh was present. When she responded, the man claimed to be an acquaintance and mentioned the name of a neighbouring resident, Vasu Moolya, to appear familiar and gain her trust.
The complainant stated that the man behaved in a friendly and convincing manner, which made the elderly woman believe that he was known to the family. After a brief conversation, the intruder asked for drinking water.
When she offered him regular drinking water, the man reportedly insisted on being given hot water instead.
Assault inside the house
Mangaluru As the elderly woman went into the kitchen to bring hot water, the accused allegedly followed her inside. Police said he then suddenly attacked her from behind and overpowered her.
As per the complaint, the accused stuffed a cloth into her mouth to prevent her from raising an alarm, choked her and tied her hands and legs using cloth. He then pushed her to the floor in the dining area, restraining her movement.
The woman was left helpless and unable to call for help during the assault. No other family members were present at the time of the incident.
Gold chain and phone stolen
Mangaluru After immobilising the victim, the accused forcibly removed a gold chain weighing about 20 grams from her neck. The value of the chain has been estimated at around Rs 1.90 lakh.
In addition to the gold ornament, the accused also stole a keypad mobile phone worth approximately Rs 500 that was kept on the veranda of the house. After committing the robbery, he fled from the spot.
The victim later managed to alert family members after the accused escaped. The incident was then reported to the police.
Case registered under BNS provisions
Mangaluru Based on Ganesh’s complaint, Bantwal Rural Police have registered a case under Section 309(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), dealing with robbery-related offences involving use of force. Police teams have begun investigation and are working to identify and trace the suspect.
Officers are expected to examine nearby CCTV cameras, question neighbours and verify whether similar incidents involving elderly persons have been reported in nearby areas. Inputs are also being collected about strangers seen in the locality around the time of the crime.
Rising concern over crimes targeting elderly
Mangaluru The incident has raised concern among residents about the safety of elderly persons staying alone at home, especially during daytime hours. Police officials said criminals often use deception — posing as acquaintances, service staff or delivery agents — to gain entry into houses.
Authorities have advised families to sensitise elderly members about such tactics and to avoid allowing unknown persons inside without verification. Installing door cameras, maintaining contact with neighbours and verifying identity before offering assistance to strangers are among the precautions suggested.
Conclusion
Mangaluru The Bantwal house robbery highlights the vulnerability of senior citizens to deception-based crimes inside their homes. With a case now registered, Bantwal Rural Police have intensified efforts to identify the accused and prevent similar incidents. Residents have been urged to remain alert and report suspicious visitors promptly.