In a brazen theft, unidentified miscreants allegedly stole 15 goats worth approximately Rs 3.75 lakh from a farm enclosure in Kapurthala, prompting the police to register a case under Section 331(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Complaint Filed by Farmer
The FIR was lodged by Sukhmanpreet Singh, a resident of Kapurthala, who stated that he is engaged in agriculture and also rears goats as an additional source of livelihood. He had constructed a livestock enclosure across the road from his residence, secured with a boundary wall and a gate, where he kept a total of 15 goats—comprising five male goats and ten female goats.
As part of his routine, he fed the animals every evening before returning home. On the night of June 24, after feeding the goats at around 10 pm, he locked the enclosure and returned home.
Theft Discovered Early Morning
When he came back at approximately 4 am on June 25 to feed the animals, he found that all 15 goats were missing. Despite conducting an extensive search in the surrounding area, he was unable to locate the animals.
He alleged that during the intervening night of June 24 and 25, unknown persons scaled the rear wall of the enclosure and stole the goats. The total value of the stolen livestock has been estimated at around Rs 3.75 lakh.
Police Investigation Underway
The Kapurthala police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. The complaint mentions that the enclosure was locked and secured, indicating that the thieves had to scale the rear wall to gain entry. No arrests have been made so far.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of livestock owners in rural areas, where thefts can significantly impact livelihoods. The police are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and questioning locals to identify the culprits.
