Robbers ransack South Kolkata home in broad daylight, loot valuables worth 5 lakhs

Kolkata’s Bansdroni turned chaotic when burglars struck a third-floor flat in a multi-storey building, making off with jewellery and cash worth nearly Rs 5 lakh. The audacious daylight robbery, which took place around noon, left the home in disarray, with a broken almirah and a cut iron grille as stark evidence of the crime. Residents of the apartment, located under the jurisdiction of Bansdroni Police Station, returned to find their sanctuary violated, sparking fear and outrage in the tightly-knit neighborhood. Police have rushed to the scene to investigate, combing for clues as locals demand answers about how such a bold theft could occur in broad daylight.

This incident, in a bustling South Kolkata suburb, has raised alarms about rising crime rates in residential areas, leaving families shaken and questioning their safety.The affected family, who preferred anonymity amid the distress, recounted the chilling discovery. They left for work around 9 AM, leaving the flat in the care of a domestic help tasked with looking after a young child. The help stepped out at noon to pick up the child from school, returning around 12:15 PM to a horrifying sight: the flat’s iron grille was sliced open, and the interior was in shambles. The almirah, where valuables were stored, was mangled, with drawers yanked out and contents scattered.

The family estimates that gold and diamond jewellery, along with some cash, totaling approximately Rs 5 lakh, was stolen. The precision of the break-in suggests the thieves knew the family’s routine, exploiting the brief window when the flat was unoccupied.Bansdroni Police Station responded promptly after the family lodged a complaint, dispatching a team to inspect the crime scene. Officers noted the cut grille and damaged almirah, indicating the use of specialized tools, possibly gas cutters or crowbars. Initial investigations point to a planned operation, with the perpetrators likely monitoring the family’s movements.

As Bansdroni is typically abuzz during midday with vendors, school traffic, and office-goers. Neighbors expressed disbelief that thieves could operate so brazenly in a multi-storey building without raising suspicion. This robbery adds to a string of thefts reported in South Kolkata, where affluent neighborhoods have become targets for organized gangs. Police suspect a professional crew, given the speed and efficiency of the break-in, and are exploring links to similar cases in nearby Regent Park and Tollygunge. The incident has also reignited debates over police patrolling in residential zones, with locals arguing that daytime beats could deter such crimes.As the investigation unfolds, Bansdroni Police have assured swift action, with a dedicated team working to track down the culprits. The family, meanwhile, is left picking up the pieces, both financially and emotionally, as they navigate insurance claims and heightened anxiety. This brazen heist serves as a wake-up call for Kolkata’s urban dwellers, highlighting vulnerabilities in even the most secure-seeming homes. With the culprits still at large, the city holds its breath, hoping for a breakthrough that restores peace to Bansdroni’s shaken streets.