Thieves loot house 500 metres from police outpost in Pratapgarh

Thieves struck a locked house barely 500 metres from a police outpost in the Chilbila area of Pratapgarh and made off with cash, jewellery and other valuables worth lakhs of rupees, the police said.

The burglary took place last night at the residence of Vinod Sharma, who had locked the house before leaving. The thieves broke in and fled with the cash, ornaments and expensive items worth lakhs, officials said.

News of the incident sparked panic in the neighbourhood. Police reached the spot after being informed and began inspecting the scene and launched an investigation. Officers are examining footage from CCTV cameras installed in the vicinity and have launched efforts to identify and arrest the culprits, the police said.

The fact that the theft occurred just 500 metres from the police outpost has raised sharp questions about policing and night patrol arrangements in the Chilbila area. Local residents have demanded that police increase patrolling in the neighbourhood during night hours.

The incident has underscored concerns over security in the locality despite the proximity of the police outpost. Investigations are continuing to trace the stolen property and apprehend those responsible, officials added.