Sambalpur: Armed Robbery at Rice Mill Owner’s House, Businessmen Lose Trust in Police

Sambalpur: A shocking armed robbery took place at the house of a rice mill owner, raising serious security concerns. The incident happened in the Burla police station area, at the residence of M.J. Rakesh, the owner of Venkateshwara Rice Mill in Babubandh. Armed robbers entered the house, creating an atmosphere of fear and panic.

Knife to a Child’s Throat, Elders Bound and Beaten

The robbers threatened the family’s child with a knife, tied up and beat the senior members, and terrorized the house for nearly an hour. They stole 200 grams of gold and one lakh in cash before fleeing. This is the latest in a series of crimes targeting local businessmen, prompting the Rice Mill Owners’ Association to meet with the IG, SP, and District Collector to file charges.

Police’s Inaction Fuels Crime Surge

In the last three months alone, 13 robberies have occurred at the homes of rice mill owners. Despite multiple FIRs being filed at different police stations, no significant action has been taken. Business owners accuse the police of negligence, claiming that the lack of an appropriate response has emboldened criminals. They claim that the police are advising self-defense and using insufficient CCTV coverage as justification for their inaction. The association has threatened further protests if immediate action is not taken to address the issue.

Robbery Details Unfold

Around 1 a.m., eight masked men dressed in black entered the house. They first went to the kitchen, brought knives, and terrorized the family members, particularly the young child. The robbers threatened to kill the child if they did not receive the money. The traumatic event lasted nearly an hour. Criminals are targeting rice mill owners in several districts. Authorities are reporting similar incidents across the area.

Robbers’ ‘Lucky Day’ on the 12th

Interestingly, the 12th of every month appears to be a ‘lucky day’ for these criminals. They begin their reconnaissance in the first week and complete their plans on the 12th. Despite patrolling day and night, the police have been unable to identify and apprehend the criminal.

Two Robberies in One Night

Thieves robbed two rice mill owners’ homes on the same night due to insufficient police patrolling. On the 12th, robbers targeted the homes of Shri Balaji Agro Tech and Ma Samaleswari Food Products owners. Despite filing complaints, no meaningful action was taken. As a result, another robbery took place on the 18th at the home of the owner of Mittal Rice Mill.

Businessmen Decide to Quit

Long-time rice mill owners are considering closing their operations due to repeated threats and a lack of assurance of safety. The association has expressed strong dissatisfaction and frustration with the police’s inability to provide protection, highlighting a significant trust deficit between business owners and law enforcement.

Details of the Robbery