Masked Robbers Target Jeweller's Home in Vaishali, Trigger Panic
A brazen robbery has shaken Thanpur village in the Mahnar police station area of Vaishali district, Bihar, after a gang of 7-8 intruders broke into the residence of jeweller Ranjit Kumar Sah on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. The incident, which unfolded around 1 am, has sparked widespread panic among local residents and raised serious questions about police responsiveness.
Details of the Daring Nighttime Raid
The robbers executed their plan with chilling precision. They first broke open the main gate of the house and then used a ladder sourced from a nearby agricultural field to access the first floor, where they forced their way inside. Upon spotting the masked intruders, family members quickly retreated to the terrace, locking themselves in for safety.
The assailants, armed with sticks and explosive devices, made off with approximately 50 grams of gold jewelry and Rs 50,000 in cash before fleeing the scene. Disturbingly, villagers reported that the gang detonated more than three bombs during the robbery, a tactic seemingly intended to instill terror and hinder any immediate intervention.
Police Response Criticized as Slow and Inadequate
The victim's family and local community have voiced strong criticism against the police force. Despite multiple frantic calls to the local police station and the emergency number 112, law enforcement personnel arrived at the scene nearly two hours after the incident began. This delay has fueled allegations of gross negligence and inefficiency.
CCTV footage recovered from the vicinity captured crucial evidence, showing at least five robbers scaling the compound wall using the ladder, with others subsequently entering after the gate was opened from inside the premises.
Senior Officers Suspended Following Preliminary Inquiry
In response to the outcry, Vaishali Superintendent of Police Vikram Sihag ordered a preliminary inquiry, which uncovered serious lapses in duty. "It was found that ASI Shuklesh Kumar, who was deputed on Dial 112, reached the spot at night but failed to inform any senior officer and took the matter as a dispute between two parties," Sihag stated. "Similarly, Additional Station House Officer Sub-Inspector Uday Kumar Singh, despite being informed about the incident, did not take prompt precautionary action and also failed to escalate the information to senior officials."
Consequently, both officers have been suspended with immediate effect. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed, led by Mahnar Sub-Divisional Police Officer Praveen Kumar, to spearhead the manhunt. The SIT is actively conducting raids and intensifying efforts to identify and apprehend the criminals at the earliest. Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams were also summoned to the crime scene to collect evidence.
Investigation Progresses with Key Evidence Seized
SDPO Praveen Kumar confirmed that the CCTV Digital Video Recorder (DVR) has been seized for further analysis, and a formal case has been registered. In a potentially significant lead, police recovered a tin box of tobacco left behind by the robbers, which may provide forensic clues to aid in their identification.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns about rural security and police accountability in the region, as authorities work to restore public trust through swift investigative action.
