A police head constable assigned to security duty for Ganeshotsava processions in Bengaluru became the victim of a burglary after thieves allegedly broke into his rented home while he was away on duty.
The incident was reported from Sugatta village near Hunsamaranahalli in northeast Bengaluru on September 18. The house belonged to Rangappa Bandivaddar, a head constable attached to Yelahanka New Town police station.
According to the complaint, the thieves entered the house after breaking the lock on the main door. They searched the rooms and opened a cupboard before leaving with gold jewellery and cash.
Rangappa had reportedly been living in the rented house at Sugatta village for around two years. On September 18, he locked the house at about 10.30 in the morning before leaving for his duty.
He had been assigned special security responsibilities connected with Ganeshotsava processions. His wife was also away from the house at the time, as she had reportedly gone to her parental home to look after her father, who was unwell.
The burglary came to light only after Rangappa returned home at around 10 in the night. He noticed that the lock on the main entrance had been broken. When he entered the house, he found the cupboard open and belongings scattered across the floor.
A closer inspection revealed that jewellery and cash were missing. The stolen property reportedly included around 35 grams of gold jewellery and Rs 6,000 in cash.
The jewellery allegedly taken by the burglars included gold chains and rings belonging to Rangappa’s wife and son. The family discovered the loss after checking the cupboard and other belongings inside the house.
The timing of the incident added another dimension to the case. Rangappa was away from home because of the special police deployment for Ganeshotsava procession security. The complaint was reportedly filed after his duty responsibilities were completed, resulting in some delay in formally reporting the burglary.
The case has been registered with Chikkajala police, who are investigating the incident and working to identify those responsible. Police are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the break in and gather available evidence from the house and surrounding area.
Burglary cases involving locked houses often depend on clues such as damaged locks, fingerprints, surveillance footage and information about movements around the property. Investigators may also examine whether the thieves had prior knowledge that the house would remain unoccupied for several hours.
The incident has also highlighted the situation faced by police personnel who are frequently required to remain away from their homes during major festivals and public events. During Ganeshotsava, additional security arrangements are made at procession routes and other sensitive locations, requiring large numbers of personnel to remain on duty.
For Rangappa, the return from an extended duty assignment ended with an unexpected shock. Instead of returning to a normal evening at home, he found the entrance damaged and his belongings disturbed.
The investigation is now focused on tracing the suspects and recovering the stolen jewellery and cash. Police are also likely to establish the sequence of events between the time Rangappa left for duty and his return at night.
The incident took place during a period when police personnel across Bengaluru were engaged in additional security arrangements for Ganeshotsava celebrations. The burglary at a police employee’s residence has consequently drawn attention to the importance of securing homes when residents are required to remain away for long duty hours.
