Udupi: In a late-night theft on March 20, unidentified miscreants broke into the Sri Durgambika Anganwadi Center in Kodu Panjimaru, which falls under the Shirva police jurisdiction. The stolen items are estimated to be worth around ₹8,000.
The culprits forcefully broke open the Sri Durgambika Higher Primary School’s entrance gate. They then damaged the iron barrier and door of the Anganwadi center before making their way inside. Their primary target was the storeroom, from where they looted a gas cylinder, cooking utensils, and essential food supplies like rice, oil, and sugar.
Additionally, the thieves ransacked the storage area and took 90 eggs, which were stored across three trays. These were earmarked for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children under a government nutrition program.
Residents of the Bantakallu-Panjimaru area have reported multiple small-scale thefts in recent weeks. Locals are demanding urgent intervention from law enforcement to track down the perpetrators and enhance security measures.
The incident came to light when Anganwadi teacher Usha Devi arrived at the center on Friday morning. Upon discovering the break-in, she alerted the authorities, and a formal complaint was lodged at the Shirva police station.
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