Sambalpur: Church Father Beaten and Robbed of Rs. 2.80 Lakh; 3 Injured in Attack by 8 Masked Robbers

Sambalpur: In a shocking incident, eight masked robbers attacked Father Silvin K.S., who lives at Char Bhati in Kuchinda block, and looted Rs. 2.8 lakh from him. The incident has sparked widespread concern, especially as it follows two similar church thefts reported in the past two years.

Midnight Assault on Church Residents

Father Silvin was staying with Father Linus Judge (aged 90) and cook Marclin Reika. While they were asleep last night, they woke up after hearing dogs barking. As soon as they stepped out, 7–8 masked robbers, who had been hiding nearby, brutally attacked them.

Upon hearing the noise, two more staff members rushed in, but the robbers assaulted them too, leaving all three severely injured. The attackers tied their hands and legs, snatched their mobile phones, and looted Rs. 2.8 lakh that was with Father Silvin.

Serious Injuries and Hospitalization

Father Linus, due to his age, suffered serious injuries as the robbers beat him with sticks and iron rods. Both Father Silvin and Marclin were also hurt during the attack. Around 4 a.m., all three were rushed to Kuchinda Hospital for medical treatment.

Robbers Spoke Local Language, Dressed in Disguise

Today morning, the police registered a case and launched an investigation. Witnesses revealed that the robbers spoke in the local language, suggesting they might be from the nearby area. Interestingly, two of the robbers were dressed as women, and all had their bodies completely covered to hide their identities.

The police also recovered four mobile phones belonging to the victims from a nearby water body, where the robbers had thrown them.

Public Reaction and Police Scrutiny

This violent robbery has triggered serious questions about police efficiency, especially as similar crimes targeting churches have happened before. The incident is now the talk of the town in Kuchinda and nearby regions.

Masked robbers assaulted elderly priests and staff during a midnight robbery in Char Bhati, escaping with Rs. 2.8 lakh. The case has caused public outrage and renewed concerns about law enforcement’s ability to prevent such crimes.