A planned and professional burglary has left a doctor couple in Kolkata's upscale Salt Lake area shocked and violated. What was meant to be a peaceful return from a medical conference turned into a nightmare when they discovered their home had been systematically ransacked.
A Calculated Crime in a Quiet Neighborhood
The incident occurred at a two-storey house in BB Block, Salt Lake. The owners, Dr. Priyadarshi Sengupta, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and his wife, were away attending a medical conference in Vizag between December 7 and December 16. The crime came to light around 8:30 pm on December 16 when the exhausted couple unlocked their door to a scene of devastation.
Their home had been thoroughly searched, with belongings scattered everywhere. The intruders had broken the main door lock and several internal locks. In a telling detail, the burglars took household items, including a 32-inch smart TV, two LPG gas cylinders, a small red trolley bag, two blazers, and boxes of spices. "As we didn't have any jewellery or cash at home, they took away whatever they could," Dr. Sengupta explained.
Surveillance System Neutralized by Thieves
The most alarming aspect of the burglary was the methodical disabling of the home's security apparatus. Despite nine CCTV cameras being installed at strategic points inside and around the property, the system offered no clues to investigators.
The burglars severed the camera cables and removed the entire 16-channel CP Plus Digital Video Recorder (DVR). This calculated move ensured no visual evidence of the crime or the perpetrators remained. A senior officer from Bidhannagar City Police confirmed it was a deliberate act to eliminate any trace.
Upon discovering the break-in, Dr. Sengupta immediately approached his neighbors. However, none reported hearing any suspicious sounds during the couple's absence, indicating the thieves might have worked efficiently or during a time of low activity. He then informed the secretary of the BB Block Residents' Association before contacting the police.
Police Investigation Underway
The Bidhannagar North Police Station has registered a case and initiated an investigation. Officers are examining the possible entry points used by the thieves and looking for tool marks on the damaged doors and locks.
Given the lack of internal footage, the police are now scanning the neighborhood. They are checking external cameras on neighboring buildings and roads in the hope that wider surveillance might have captured the suspects approaching or leaving the area.
This incident has raised concerns about the security of residential areas in Salt Lake, even those considered safe and well-monitored. It highlights a trend where criminals are becoming increasingly savvy about neutralizing modern security systems to commit their crimes without leaving a digital footprint.
