Guwahati Beltola Apartment Complex Targeted in Second Major Robbery Within Days
Just days after the Ganeshpara robbery left residents unsettled, thieves struck again in Guwahati on Friday, targeting the Nirupama Enclave apartment complex in the Beltola area. This second incident has reignited serious concerns about the safety and security of residential complexes throughout the city.
Details of the Beltola Apartment Burglary
According to police reports, the burglaries occurred in the early morning hours at Nirupama Enclave on Chilarai Path, while most residents were asleep. Kapil Pathak, the officer-in-charge of Basistha police station, identified the affected homeowners as Dibyajyoti Nath and Manomaya Devi.
"Both individuals work outside Guwahati and were not present during the incident. They have been informed and will join the investigation once they return," Pathak stated. The Ganeshpara robbery, which occurred on January 19, had already put the city on alert before this latest theft.
How the Robbery Was Executed
The miscreants, with their faces covered and equipped with burglary tools, managed to break the locks to gain entry into the two homes. Police are still working to determine the exact number of individuals involved.
"We cannot confirm the exact number of culprits yet. CCTV footage will provide more clarity, but we suspect five or fewer persons were involved," Pathak added. The value of stolen items remains under assessment as the homeowners have yet to confirm exactly what is missing from their properties.
Resident Accounts and Security Lapses
Residents reported that the incident occurred between 2am and 3am. Gautam Bora, a resident of the complex, provided crucial details about what the security cameras captured.
"CCTV footage showed three masked men roaming around the premises. They carefully avoided occupied flats but successfully broke into two vacant homes in Block A. Despite there being sufficient lighting in the area, the incident happened when the security guards had dozed off due to exhaustion," Bora explained.
This security lapse has raised questions about the effectiveness of current safety measures in residential complexes across Guwahati.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Police arrived at the scene in the morning, spoke with residents, and have initiated a thorough investigation. The proximity of this incident to the earlier Ganeshpara robbery has prompted authorities to examine potential connections and patterns in these crimes.
The back-to-back robberies have created a sense of vulnerability among Guwahati residents, particularly those living in apartment complexes. Many are now calling for enhanced security measures, including:
- Improved surveillance systems with better monitoring
- More reliable security personnel with proper shift management
- Community awareness programs about home security
- Better coordination between residential associations and local police
As the investigation continues, residents remain anxious about their safety, hoping for swift action from authorities to prevent further incidents and restore confidence in residential security throughout the city.