Sambalpur: Rising Theft Cases in Sakhipara Due to Lack of Police Patrolling; Police Remain Inactive Even After Complaints, Residents Feel Insecure

Theft Incident Reported in Sakhipara, Sambalpur

Sambalpur: A theft occurred late Friday night in the Samaleswari Colony of Sakhipara, Sambalpur. Even though the complaint was lodged on Saturday morning, the Dhanupali police delayed registering the case until late that night. Now, two days after the incident, the police have neither caught the thieves nor recovered any stolen items.

Victims Question Police Efficiency

Residents have started questioning the efficiency of the Dhanupali police. Despite repeated thefts in the Sakhipara area, locals say they don’t feel safe anymore. The latest incident involved the house of Siddharth Narayan Shi, who was away with his family in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh since last Monday. Their ground-floor home was locked during their absence.

Landlord Discovers the Theft

On Friday night around 11:30 PM, landlord Ashok Kumar Patra noticed the outer gate to the ground floor was locked from inside. When he called a neighbor to help open it, he discovered the lock on the tenant’s door was broken. He immediately called 112, and a PCR van arrived. Upon inspection, police found the main cupboard lock broken and household items scattered across three rooms.

Valuables Stolen from Locked House

During the preliminary investigation, it appeared that the thieves broke in comfortably and stole valuables, including gold ornaments. Siddharth’s wife, Sujata, later confirmed that two gold earrings and an expensive camera were missing. The full extent of the loss will only be known once the family returns.

Residents Criticize Police Inaction

Sujata expressed disappointment with the police. She said despite giving a written complaint on Saturday morning, police took no further action not even visiting the crime scene for investigation. Only a PCR van had visited on the night of the theft and taken photos. Since then, there has been complete silence.

She also mentioned that when Mr. Patra went to file the complaint, a police staff member sarcastically asked, “Who told you to leave the house?” She criticized this attitude, saying, “We rent a house in Sambalpur and lock it only when we must leave. It’s the police’s job to ensure our safety, not blame the victims.”

Call for Increased Patrolling and Proper Investigation

Sujata demanded stronger patrolling in Sakhipara and immediate recovery of the stolen items. She said the police should take these crimes seriously and not treat them casually.

Police Give Lukewarm Response

When questioned, Dhanupali IIC Aditya Mahakur downplayed the incident, saying only “two earrings” were stolen. However, he added that a case has been registered and investigation is underway.