Chandigarh police have launched a major search operation after burglars targeted the residence of a senior medical professional in Sector 10, making off with a significant cache of valuables including diamond jewellery, foreign currency, and sensitive personal documents.
Senior Doctor's House Ransacked During Trip
The incident occurred at the home of Dr B S Nagarjuna Rao, a doctor from New Chandigarh's Homi Bhabha Hospital. According to the police report, Dr Rao had left for Rishikesh by train early on December 27 to visit family. The burglary was discovered when he returned at 4:30 am on Monday to find the main door lock and latch forcibly opened.
Upon entering, Dr Rao found both bedrooms in a state of disarray, clearly ransacked by the intruders. He immediately alerted the authorities, setting the investigation in motion.
Stolen Haul Includes Diamonds, Cash, and Passport
The list of stolen items, as detailed in the First Information Report (FIR), is substantial and includes high-value goods. The police have catalogued the following missing items:
- Jewellery: Diamond-studded gold earrings, a platinum ring, a solitaire ring, three gold bracelets, and a diamond bracelet.
- Valuables: An expensive watch, a laptop computer, and an iPad.
- Currency: Rs 70,000 in Indian cash and $500 in foreign currency.
- Documents: The doctor's passport, credit cards, and forex cards.
The loss of sensitive documents like a passport adds a layer of complexity and risk for the victim beyond the financial loss.
Police Scrutinise CCTV, Forensic Evidence
Officers from the Sector 3 police station have registered a case against unknown persons. A forensic science team has examined the crime scene for fingerprints and other physical evidence. Simultaneously, investigators are meticulously reviewing CCTV footage from cameras installed in the surrounding residential blocks in Sector 10, hoping to identify the suspects and their mode of operation.
"A manhunt is underway," confirmed a police official, emphasizing that all leads are being pursued.
Separate Theft Reported in Mauli Jagran
In an unrelated but concerning incident, police were called to the Mauli Jagran area on Tuesday evening following another residential break-in. The victim, Bhola Singh, reported the theft of Rs 15,000 in cash, an LPG cylinder, and various personal documents.
Local police have recorded Bhola Singh's statement and are exploring whether this incident is connected to a recent spike in thefts targeting homes in the region. However, no definitive links have been established yet.
As of now, no arrests have been made in either case. The Chandigarh Police are urging residents to remain vigilant and ensure proper security measures for their homes, especially during travel periods. The twin incidents have raised concerns about residential safety in the city.
