A distressing burglary has shaken a quiet neighbourhood in north Kolkata, where the home of a senior citizen was ransacked and valuables worth lakhs of rupees were stolen. The incident, reported on Wednesday, has left the elderly resident, Ila Banerjee, traumatised and the local police scrambling for clues.
Details of the Vidyasagar Street Burglary
The crime came to light when Ila Banerjee returned to her residence on Vidyasagar Street after spending a couple of days at a relative's home. She discovered that her house had been forcibly entered and thoroughly looted. According to her complaint lodged with the police, the break-in likely occurred sometime before January 7.
Upon entering, Banerjee found a scene of disarray. Doors inside the house, including those on the ground floor and first floor, were broken open. Her belongings were scattered across the rooms, and it was immediately clear that many valuable items were missing.
Stolen Property Worth Lakhs
The list of stolen property, as detailed in the First Information Report (FIR), is extensive and includes both financial assets and precious household goods. The most significant items reported missing are:
- Cash amounting to Rs 40,000.
- 12 silver Guinea coins, which are collectible and often hold significant value.
- Gold jewellery weighing approximately 20 grams.
- A variety of utensils made from copper, brass, and stainless steel.
- Other personal belongings and household goods.
The total estimated value of the stolen items runs into several lakhs of rupees, marking a severe financial and emotional blow to the senior citizen.
Police Investigation Underway
Acting on the written complaint, the Kolkata Police have initiated a thorough investigation. Officers are currently examining CCTV footage from cameras in the vicinity of Vidyasagar Street, hoping to identify the suspects or their movements.
In a strategic move, the police are also leveraging local intelligence and sources to gather leads. The complaint filed by Ila Banerjee included contact details of individuals who had access to her home, which is now a key part of the investigative process to rule out insider involvement.
This incident has raised concerns about the safety of senior citizens living alone in older parts of the city. It serves as a stark reminder for residents to enhance home security measures, especially when planning to be away for extended periods.
