Serial burglary incidents rock Odisha’s Banki; gold ornaments, cash looted from 3 houses

In a chilling reminder of the growing menace of theft in rural pockets of Cuttack district, a series of burglaries were reported late last night from Khallipalli village of Jagannathpur Panchayat under Baideswar police limits.

According to local sources, miscreants broke into three houses while the residents were asleep and looted cash amounting to over Rs 1 lakh, along with gold ornaments stored in locked almirahs. The burglars are reported to have broken open the lockers in the homes to access the valuables.

An attempt to burgle a fourth house was also made, but the criminals reportedly failed and fled the scene. The victims woke up to find their homes ransacked and immediately alerted the neighbours and local authorities.

This incident has sent shockwaves through the community, especially as it comes amidst a rising trend of thefts in the Banki subdivision. Residents allege that despite repeated incidents in nearby villages in the past few weeks, the local police have failed to apprehend any gang members involved, emboldening criminal elements to strike again.

The Baideswar Police reached Khallipalli early this morning and began a preliminary investigation. A team is recording statements from the affected families and surveying the surroundings for possible CCTV footage or footprints left by the burglars.

Residents have urged the police to increase night patrolling and nab the culprits immediately before the situation worsens. Meanwhile, fear and unrest continue to grow in the area, as villagers are concerned about their safety and security during the night.

Authorities have assured that stringent action will be taken, and multiple angles are being probed to identify if an organised gang is operating in the region.