Bengaluru Techie Couple's Evening Tea Turns into Rs 30 Lakh Nightmare
A routine visit to a local café for tea turned into a distressing ordeal for a software engineer couple in Bengaluru, as burglars targeted their apartment in the bustling HRBR Layout area. The criminals made off with gold and silver ornaments valued at over Rs 30 lakh, leaving the homeowners in shock upon their return.
Timing of the Burglary in Northeast Bengaluru
The incident unfolded at the third-floor residence of Balaji G, aged 34, located in HRBR Layout II Block. According to police reports, the burglary occurred between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM on Saturday, a window when the couple was away from home. Balaji and his wife, both employed as software engineers, had securely locked their apartment before heading out to a nearby café for a casual tea break.
Discovery of the Break-In and Stolen Items
Upon returning home around 6:30 PM, the couple was stunned to find their main door wide open with the lock forcibly broken. Inside, they discovered that cupboards in the bedroom had been forced open, and drawers were damaged. The thieves specifically targeted valuables stored in the pooja room, making away with approximately 250 grams of gold ornaments and 300 grams of silver articles, along with other precious items.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
A senior police officer confirmed that a case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), citing Sections 305 for theft in a dwelling house or place of worship and 331 for punishment related to house-trespass or housebreaking. A dedicated team, including experts from the fingerprint bureau and scene of crime officials (SOCO), conducted a thorough inspection of the site to gather evidence.
The officer further stated, "CCTV footage from the apartment complex and surrounding buildings is currently under analysis. Our efforts are focused on identifying and apprehending the suspects involved in this brazen burglary." Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and enhance security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This alarming event highlights the growing concerns over urban crime in Bengaluru, particularly in residential neighborhoods like HRBR Layout, where tech professionals often reside. As the investigation progresses, the community awaits updates on the recovery of the stolen valuables and the capture of the culprits.