Shopian, Oct 05: A wave of thefts has unsettled locals in parts of South Kashmir’s Shopian district after burglars decamped with gold ornaments worth around Rs 12 lakh from a residential house in Dhobipora, Nagabal, while two cows were stolen in a separate incident in the Haidergund village during the intervening night of Friday and Saturday.
Reports said the burglary at Dhobipora came to light when the family of Nazir Ahmed Wani discovered that their house had been broken into. The burglars reportedly took away gold ornaments valued at approximately Rs 12 lakh. Police have registered a case and initiated a detailed investigation into the incident.
In another incident the same night, two cows belonging to locals identified as Nisar Ahmed Malik and Muhammad Amin Malik were stolen from Haidergund village. The theft has sparked widespread concern among villagers, who say they have been facing a recurring pattern of such incidents over the past few years.
Locals said that last year alone, at least 13 cows were stolen from different villages across the district, including areas like Vehil, Hermain, and Pinjoora. They alleged that despite repeated complaints, such thefts continue unabated.
“We strongly believe that most of these incidents are linked to drug addicts who steal valuables and livestock to fund their addiction.”
Several locals urged the authorities to intensify night patrols, particularly in interior villages where such thefts are on the rise. They said that with the onset of autumn, when most families are busy with harvesting and horticultural work, thieves find an easy opportunity to strike. [KNT]
