Sambalpur: Increasing Dominance of Robbers and Mafia in Ainthapali; Ainthapali Has Become a Haven for Thieves, Police Patrolling Fails to Stop the Reign of Looters

Fear Grips Locals as Robberies and Thefts Increase

Sambalpur: The Ainthapali police station area is turning into a hotspot for criminal activity, with locals living in constant fear due to rising incidents of thefts and robberies. Despite police patrolling, people claim they feel unsafe, especially at night.

Mobile Snatched in Broad Daylight

On April 22, a youth named Akash Meher was talking on his phone near Ainthapali bus stand when two bike-borne men suddenly snatched his mobile and fled the scene. Akash went to the police station to file a complaint. Although the police investigated the matter, they reportedly did not register a written complaint.

Multiple Thefts in One Night

Earlier, on April 18, thieves broke into the rented house of 18-year-old Swastik Ranjan Sahu in Gopalmal while he was asleep. They stole two mobile phones, a laptop, earbuds, and Rs. 3,000 cash. The estimated total value of the stolen items is over Rs. 61,000.

On the same night, another theft occurred at Kamakshya Bihar. Criminals stole a scooter worth around Rs. 30,000 from the residence of 58-year-old Saubhagya Kumar Nayak. He has already filed a written complaint with the police.

These are just a few incidents. In the past ten days, many such crimes have taken place in the Ainthapali police jurisdiction.

Police Inaction Frustrates Residents

Locals allege that although complaints are being filed regularly, the police often stop after registering the cases and rarely take further action. There are no arrests or recoveries of stolen items in many cases. This has led to growing dissatisfaction among the people. They are demanding stricter patrolling and immediate arrests of the accused.

Criminals Act With Impunity

Despite some arrests, repeat offenders are reportedly returning to crime soon after being released from jail. Residents are frustrated that even after catching criminals and handing them over to the police, they continue to steal and loot shortly after release.

Police officers admit that a single PCR van cannot effectively control such a large area. They say criminals often strike in areas where patrolling is not active at the moment.

The situation has raised serious concerns about law and order in the region. Locals are calling for stronger police presence and quicker legal action to ensure their safety and restore peace in the area.