Beltangady: More than a month after a major burglary at a house in Ballamanja near Madanthyar, the Punjalkatte police are yet to make a breakthrough in the investigation, causing growing concern among residents and mounting pressure on the department.
The theft, which took place on April 5 at the residence of D Murali in Hosamane, Ballamanja, involved the loss of gold ornaments and cash collectively valued at approximately Rs 19.32 lakh.
According to police sources, the family had locked their house and gone to attend the Brahmakalashotsava and Jatra celebrations at the Ballamanja temple on the day of the incident. Taking advantage of the family’s absence, unidentified burglars allegedly broke open the front door lock and entered the house.
After gaining entry, the accused reportedly forced open a wardrobe and decamped with 136 grams of gold jewellery along with Rs 6 lakh in cash kept inside the house.
The incident shocked local residents due to the scale of the theft and the manner in which the burglars appeared to have targeted the house during a public religious event.
Investigation continues without concrete leads
Police personnel visited the scene soon after the burglary was reported and registered a case at the Punjalkatte police station. However, despite the passage of over a month, investigators have not succeeded in identifying or arresting the culprits.
Sources said the investigation is currently progressing based on mobile tower location analysis and the monitoring of known habitual offenders. Police teams are also collecting and examining CCTV footage from nearby roads, junctions, and commercial establishments in an attempt to identify suspicious vehicle or individual movements around the time of the theft.
Investigators are reportedly trying to piece together travel routes and communication patterns that may help narrow down potential suspects involved in the crime.
Though unofficial sources indicate that a few individuals have been detained and questioned in connection with the case, the police have not officially confirmed any major breakthrough so far.
The prolonged delay in solving the case has reportedly turned the investigation into a significant challenge for the local police department, particularly due to increasing public scrutiny and concern.
Villagers fear organised gang activity
The incident has triggered widespread anxiety among residents in Ballamanja and nearby areas. Many villagers suspect that organised burglary gangs may be monitoring houses that are temporarily left vacant when families attend public gatherings, weddings, temple fairs, or religious functions.
Residents believe the burglars may have had prior information about the family’s absence and the valuables kept inside the house. The targeted nature of the theft has intensified fears that similar incidents could occur in other villages during festival or event seasons.
Locals have urged people to remain vigilant while leaving houses locked for extended periods and have called for increased night patrolling in rural areas.
Some residents have also demanded the installation of additional CCTV cameras in vulnerable locations to improve surveillance and assist police investigations in future cases.
Residents demand swift action from police
Villagers have expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in the case even after more than a month. Residents said the inability to trace the culprits has created insecurity among families in the region.
Locals have now urged the police department to intensify the probe and deploy additional teams if necessary to crack the case at the earliest. They stressed that identifying and arresting the accused would help restore public confidence and deter similar crimes in the future.
People in the area have also appealed to higher police officials to closely monitor the investigation and ensure faster progress.
Police sources stated that efforts are continuing on multiple fronts and assured that all possible angles are being examined to trace those involved in the burglary.
The case remains under active investigation.