Burglars Target Locked House in Balthila Village During Temple Festival
In a brazen act of theft, unidentified burglars broke into a residential property in Balthila village, located within Bantwal taluk of Mangaluru, while the occupants were away attending a temple fair. The incident occurred on February 4, when the family of Sathish Shenoy had securely locked their home and departed to participate in the festivities of the Sri Lakshmi Venkataramana Temple festival at Kashekodi.
Forced Entry and Ransacked Interior Discovered Upon Return
Upon returning from the temple event, the Shenoy family was met with a distressing scene. They discovered the main door of their house had been forcibly opened, with clear signs of tools being used to break the lock. Inside, the situation was chaotic; a cupboard in one of the rooms stood wide open, and personal belongings, including clothing and various household items, were scattered haphazardly across the floor.
The thieves are believed to have meticulously searched through steel boxes stored within the cupboard, making off with valuable possessions. After conducting a thorough check, the family reported that approximately nine sovereigns of gold ornaments, along with Rs 5,000 in cash, were missing from the premises.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Local authorities from the Bantwal town police station have been promptly notified and have taken action in response to the burglary. A formal case has been registered under relevant sections of the law, and an investigation is currently underway to identify the perpetrators and recover the stolen items.
This incident highlights a growing concern for residential security in the area, especially during community events when homes are left unattended. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and consider enhanced security measures to prevent similar occurrences.
