A wave of fear is sweeping through the villages of Hemgir, Laikera, and surrounding areas in Odisha, as a series of audacious robberies continues to plague the community. The latest incident, a meticulously planned attack on the home of a retired army man, has further amplified anxieties and raised questions about the effectiveness of local law enforcement.
Early Friday morning, while Saroj Kumar Naik was away, a gang of six unidentified criminals descended upon his residence in Sana Dumermunda village. Their target: the two-story house occupied by Naik's family and several tenants, including a jeweler whose presence seems to have been the criminals' primary motivation.
The robbers, demonstrating a chilling disregard for potential witnesses, gained access to the house through the rooftop. They then proceeded to systematically terrorize the occupants, moving from room to room, binding their victims' hands and feet, and forcing them to surrender their valuables at gunpoint.
Among those caught in the terrifying ordeal was Naik's wife, Jaikumari, who was alone on the ground floor. Despite her vulnerability, the criminals showed no mercy, breaking into an almirah and stealing approximately 25 grams of her gold jewelry. The robbers' primary objective, however, appeared to be the jeweler residing on the upper floor. Even a locked door couldn't deter them, as they forced their way in and made off with an estimated 45 grams of gold. In total, the gang's loot amounted to 85 grams of gold and ₹40,000 in cash. "This incident has shaken our community to its core," expressed a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous. "We are living in constant fear, wondering who will be targeted next. The police need to take more proactive measures to ensure our safety."
Amitav Panda, SDPO of Kuchinda, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. "We are treating this case with utmost seriousness," he stated. "Our team is diligently analyzing CCTV footage from nearby areas and pursuing all possible leads. We have also detained two individuals who were observed loitering near the house prior to the robbery." This robbery marks a disturbing escalation in a pattern of similar crimes that have plagued the region for the past three months. Residents are demanding increased police presence, improved street lighting, and community awareness programs to combat the growing threat. "The gang's consistent focus on cash and gold suggests a level of organization and planning," added Panda. "We are exploring all angles, including the possibility of a larger criminal network operating in the area." As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, hoping for a swift resolution to this case and an end to the reign of terror that has gripped their once peaceful villages.
