Elderly Woman Brutally Assaulted and Robbed in Bantwal Home Invasion
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples of fear through the community, an elderly woman was allegedly assaulted and robbed at her residence in Bantwal taluk, Mangaluru. The distressing event unfolded on Sunday, leaving the victim traumatized and local authorities scrambling for clues.
Deceptive Entry and Violent Assault
According to a detailed complaint filed by Ganesh, a 43-year-old resident of Vagga Kavalapaduru village, the assailant employed a cunning ruse to gain entry into the home. At approximately 5:15 PM, while the elderly woman was alone, engrossed in rolling beedis, an unidentified man knocked on the door. He inquired about Ganesh's presence and casually dropped the name of a neighboring resident, Vasu Moolya, creating an illusion of familiarity and trust.
The situation took a sinister turn when the man requested drinking water. When offered bottled water, he insisted on hot water instead. As the unsuspecting woman turned towards the kitchen to oblige, the stranger followed her into the dining area. In a swift and brutal move, he gagged her by stuffing a cloth into her mouth, bound her hands and legs with additional cloth, and forcefully threw her to the floor.
Valuables Stolen and Swift Escape
With the victim immobilized and helpless, the perpetrator proceeded to commit the robbery. He forcibly removed her gold mangalsutra chain, which weighed approximately 20 grams and is estimated to be worth around Rs 1.9 lakh. Not stopping there, he also snatched her keypad cellphone, which was kept in the verandah, before fleeing the scene without a trace.
The incident came to light when a neighbor, Sukanya, alerted Ganesh via a phone call at 6 PM. By then, the assailant had vanished, leaving behind a scene of violation and distress.
Police Investigation Underway
Acting promptly on the complaint, the Bantwal Rural police have registered a case under Section 309(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This section pertains to offenses involving robbery or dacoity with attempts to cause death or grievous hurt, highlighting the severity of the crime. Authorities are now combing through evidence and pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the unidentified man responsible for this heinous act.
This incident underscores growing concerns about the safety of elderly individuals living alone and the audacious tactics employed by criminals in residential areas. The local community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police immediately.
