In a startling incident that has exposed glaring security vulnerabilities, unidentified thieves successfully targeted a religious site located within a high-security police compound in Bihar's Kaimur district. The theft occurred on the premises housing both the women’s police station and the SC/ST police station in Bhabhua, a district headquarters town.
The Incident: A Brazen Act Under Police Nose
The breach took place late on Friday night in ward number 22 of Sasaram. Despite the continuous presence of police personnel and armed guards on the campus, the miscreants managed to break open the lock of the donation box at the mazar (a shrine or tomb) and escape with the cash. The crime went unnoticed throughout the night and was discovered only on Saturday morning.
The discovery triggered immediate alarm and led to a large gathering of local residents at the spot. The secretary of the mazar committee, upon arriving in the morning, found the donation box forcibly opened. He estimated the financial loss to be between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000. While downplaying the scale of the theft, he acknowledged the profound embarrassment it caused to the local administration, describing the perpetrators as "mischievous elements" rather than master criminals.
Public Outcry and Questioning of Security
The incident has drawn sharp criticism and anger from the community. Residents present at the site voiced their deep concern and frustration over the security failure. "If a religious place right under the nose of the police is not safe, what hope does the common citizen have?" questioned one local resident, capturing the prevailing sentiment of insecurity.
This event is not an isolated one. Residents were quick to point out a worrying pattern of similar security breaches in neighbouring districts. Over the past one-and-a-half years, police station premises in the region have been compromised multiple times, leading to losses that include:
- Arms and ammunition
- Seized vehicles
- Crucial case evidence
The latest theft has starkly underlined persistent and unaddressed concerns regarding administrative vigilance and internal security protocols.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Following the discovery, the police have registered a formal case and launched an investigation. Officials have initiated a forensic examination of the crime scene to gather evidence. A key part of the probe involves scrutinizing CCTV footage from cameras installed in and around the vicinity to identify the culprits.
The investigation aims to determine the root cause of this security failure. Authorities are looking into whether the incident was a result of negligence on the part of the personnel on duty or a deliberate and planned breach of security measures. The outcome of this probe is awaited as the community watches closely, demanding accountability and stronger safeguards for even the most secure zones in their district.
