Elderly Woman Targeted in Disturbing Daylight Robbery Near Bengaluru
In a shocking incident that highlights the vulnerability of senior citizens, a 74-year-old woman was robbed of her gold ornaments by a scooter-borne miscreant in a secluded eucalyptus grove near Devanahalli, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The brazen daylight robbery occurred on Monday afternoon, leaving the elderly victim traumatized and raising serious concerns about public safety in the region.
Deceptive Assistance Turns into Terrifying Ordeal
The victim, identified as Nanjamma, a resident of Mallenahalli village, had visited a temple constructed by her family on their agricultural land in Jonnahalli village around 11 am. According to the complaint filed by her grandson, Harish N, an unidentified man arrived at the temple premises on a Honda Dio scooter while Nanjamma was engaged in prayer.
The man spent approximately thirty minutes at the temple, plucking flowers, offering them to the elderly woman, and even assisting her during the puja rituals. This deceptive display of helpfulness established a false sense of trust before the criminal revealed his true intentions.
Frightening Sequence of Events Unfolds
After locking the temple around 12:15 pm, Nanjamma began her walk home. The same man approached her and offered to drop her home on his scooter. Feeling faint and unwell, the elderly woman accepted the ride, unaware of the danger that awaited her.
Instead of taking her to her destination, the miscreant diverted to a remote eucalyptus grove, stopped the vehicle, and threatened Nanjamma with a knife. He demanded she surrender all the gold ornaments she was wearing. Despite her screams for help in the isolated location, no assistance arrived.
Fearing for her life, Nanjamma complied with the demands and handed over her gold mangalya chain along with several other ornaments. The total weight of the stolen gold exceeded 50 grams, representing not just material value but deep sentimental significance for the elderly woman.
Aftermath and Police Investigation
Disoriented and traumatized by the experience, Nanjamma eventually found her way home by evening after seeking directions. Her grandson promptly filed a formal complaint with the Bagalur police station, initiating an investigation into this disturbing crime.
Police have recovered crucial CCTV footage that captures the suspect riding a Honda Dio scooter while wearing distinctive clothing:
- A jacket for concealment
- Protective gloves on his hands
- Footwear and a helmet completing his attire
Authorities have registered a case under BNS Section 309 pertaining to robbery, and an active investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrator. The calculated nature of the crime—from establishing false trust to selecting an isolated location—suggests a premeditated act targeting vulnerable individuals.
Broader Implications for Community Safety
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by elderly citizens, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas surrounding major metropolitan centers like Bengaluru. The family's background in agriculture and their temple construction reflect their deep roots in the community, making the violation even more distressing.
Local residents have expressed concern about security in the Devanahalli region, calling for increased police patrols and community vigilance programs. The case highlights the need for:
- Enhanced security measures at religious sites
- Community awareness programs about such deceptive tactics
- Improved emergency response systems in rural areas
- Better lighting and surveillance in isolated locations
As the investigation continues, authorities are examining similar patterns in the region while urging citizens to remain cautious when accepting assistance from strangers, regardless of how helpful they might initially appear.
