In a bold daytime burglary that has rattled the Uthamacholapuram area of Salem district, unidentified thieves made off with a significant haul of gold and cash from a locked house on Thursday. The incident has prompted a swift response from local law enforcement.
Theft During Temple Visit
The targeted house belongs to V Shanmugam, a 65-year-old farmer. The burglary occurred when Shanmugam and his family were away from home. They had visited a temple in Attayampatti on Thursday afternoon and returned to their residence around 4 pm only to make a shocking discovery.
Upon their return, the family found the door of their house broken open. A quick inspection revealed that their valuables were missing. The perpetrators had conducted a thorough search, leaving the family in distress.
Stolen Valuables and Missing Evidence
The loot from the burglary was substantial. The thieves successfully stole 60 sovereigns of gold jewellery and Rs 65,000 in cash. In a move that indicates planning, the criminals also took the hard disk containing CCTV footage from the premises, potentially hampering the initial investigation by removing visual evidence of their crime.
Police Launch Investigation
Alerted by Shanmugam, officers from the Kondalampatti police station immediately sprang into action. A team was dispatched to the crime scene. The response included not only regular police personnel but also forensic experts and a sniffer dog to comb the area for clues and evidence.
The police have registered a formal case and have begun a detailed investigation into the burglary. The theft of the CCTV hard disk is a particular point of focus, as it suggests the culprits were keen to cover their tracks. Authorities are likely exploring other avenues for evidence, including questioning neighbours and checking for any other surveillance cameras in the vicinity of Uthamacholapuram.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for residents in Salem and beyond to enhance home security measures, especially when houses are left unattended. The police investigation continues as they work to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for this calculated theft.
