Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Dec 23: On the night of Tuesday December 21, thieves struck gold, literally. They entered the house of Shivaji Kishan Jadhav, a jeweller by profession, located in the town, and took away gold ornaments worth Rs 4.75 lac.

The family of Jadhav had been on a visit to a relative’s house, when the theft occurred. They had left home at 8.30 pm to visit Moodbidri, and had come back at 1 am on December 22. The thieves seem to have laid in wait for the people in the house to move out, before targetting the house. It is almost clear that those who are known to the family had pre-planned the theft, knowing fully well that the members were on an outstation visit that day.

The house of Jadhav is located above his jewellery shop, Sri Lakshmi Ganesh Jewellers. Normally, the gold ornaments are kept in the safe locker in the shop. The purpose of keeping gold ornaments in the house is not clear. It is learnt that the thieves left a tray of ear rings found at the jeweller’s home untouched. The neighbours expressed surprise at the fact that no one living around the area, which is surrounded by a large number of houses, was alerted when the thieves cut the iron rods of the window at night.

Although sniffer dogs and finger print experts were pressed into service, they could not get a clue about the culprits. A case was registered in the local police station. Investigation is on.