Bhopal Burglaries: Thieves Target Vacant Homes in Nishatpura and TT Nagar
In a concerning series of incidents, thieves have allegedly targeted two vacant houses in separate burglaries in Bhopal's Nishatpura and TT Nagar areas, making off with cash and valuables worth several lakhs of rupees. The crimes occurred while the homeowners were away, highlighting vulnerabilities in residential security.
Nishatpura Burglary: Deputy Ranger's House Looted
In the Nishatpura area, burglars allegedly broke into the locked house of deputy ranger Shoaib, stealing approximately Rs 5 lakh in cash, along with significant amounts of gold and silver jewellery. The incident took place while Shoaib was hospitalized following a recent road accident, with his wife, Saba Fatima, staying by his side at the medical facility.
Police registered a case based on the complaint filed by Saba Fatima. According to her statement, on the evening of February 22, she was at the hospital attending to her husband. When she returned home the next morning, she discovered the main lock broken and household items in disarray.
Saba Fatima, who operates a school, informed authorities that the stolen cash was intended for school payments and hospital expenses. In addition to the money, thieves made away with approximately 150 grams of gold jewellery and 1 kilogram of silver jewellery, compounding the financial loss for the family during a difficult period.
TT Nagar Incident: Tribal Department Official's Home Targeted
In a separate but similar incident, thieves broke into a locked house in Tulsi Nagar, TT Nagar, fleeing with jewellery and cash valued at lakhs of rupees. The complainant, Arsh Pratap Singh, a 33-year-old assistant grade-III officer in the tribal department, had left for his native village in Rewa with his family on the night of February 6.
When the family returned around 6:00 AM on February 23, they found the fencing gate still locked but the main door lock forcibly broken. The discovery prompted immediate police involvement, with authorities confirming that an investigation is currently underway to identify the perpetrators and recover the stolen items.
Police Response and Investigation Status
Local law enforcement has registered cases for both burglaries and is actively probing the incidents. The timing of the crimes—occurring when homeowners were absent due to hospitalization and travel—suggests the thieves may have been monitoring the properties or acting on opportunity.
Residents in these areas have expressed concern over the security lapses, urging enhanced vigilance and protective measures. Police have advised homeowners to install robust locking systems, consider security alarms, and notify neighbors when planning extended absences.
The investigations remain ongoing, with authorities examining potential connections between the two incidents and reviewing surveillance footage from the vicinity. These burglaries underscore the importance of residential security, particularly during periods when properties are left unattended.
