Sunil Haleangady
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Aug 12: Some thieves, putting to use their intelligence and acumen, succeeded in stealing gold ornaments and cash from a house, even as members of the family were sound asleep. The incident occurred after midnight on Sunday August 10 at the house of Leo Cutinha, residing at Subrahmanya Temple Road in Tokur near here.

The thieves sneaked into the house by using the rear door, directly went to the room where money and valuables were kept, and took away gold ornaments worth Rs 1,44,000, apart from a bag containing Rs 9,000 in cash besides another bag with valuable documents.

Leo Cutinha wondered how the dog of the family did not notice the entry of thieves into the house. He said that his dog used to continuously bark even at trivial or feeble sounds, but strangely it remained quiet the entire night on Sunday, he explained.

Known persons involved?: The thieves used a long stick fitted with aluminum cable to its end, which was inserted into the house through the window of the kitchen, for sliding the bolt of the rear door and gaining entry into the house. Without visiting any other rooms, they directly went to the room where ornaments and other valuables were kept. The fact that the dog did not bark at them has given rise to the suspicion about involvement of well-known persons or relatives in this theft.

Family head, Leo Cutinha, was sleeping in the room where the theft took place. His son and daughter were sleeping in rooms located in front of this room. The family members said that Leo's daughter was awake till late night on Sunday for studying. The fact that the thieves came in after all the members went to sleep by removing the rear door, and that they could skillfully complete their mission without making any sound and ensuring that those sleeping nearby did not wake up, gives rise to the suspicion about the use of chloroform or some other drug by them, policemen said.

Mulky police have registered a case. Spot inspection was conducted along with finger print experts. Investigation has been taken up.