“Keep Quiet Or Die”: Dacoits Storm Katigorah House, Flee With Jewellery, Phones and Cylinder

A retired school teacher and his family were allegedly held at knifepoint during a dacoity at Jalalpur Bhairabpally in West Katigorah late on Wednesday (13 May) night, with cash, jewellery, mobile phones, watches and even a cooking gas cylinder reportedly looted from the house.

According to the victims, the incident took place at around 2:15 am at the residence of retired teacher Chandan Chakraborty. A group of around seven to eight armed men allegedly entered the house after breaking the window grills. The robbers reportedly threatened Chakraborty with sharp weapons and forced him to open the steel almirah and locker before looting cash and gold ornaments.

The family alleged that the dacoits also snatched jewellery worn by Chakraborty’s wife, Nanda Chakraborty, including her necklace and earrings. The robbers reportedly continued their operation for nearly 40 minutes inside the house.

Speaking to the media, Chandan Chakraborty said he woke up after noticing light inside the room and was immediately threatened with death if he raised an alarm. He alleged that the intruders cut through the mosquito net with sharp weapons and demanded all valuables from the family. He further claimed that apart from jewellery and cash amounting to around Rs 5,000, the robbers also took away mobile phones and wristwatches.

Chakraborty said his younger brother Bappa, who was sleeping in another room, woke up after hearing noises and attempted to step outside quietly. However, he allegedly encountered another armed person standing guard outside the house. When questioned, the man reportedly threatened him and forced him back inside before fleeing the scene with the others.

Before leaving, the robbers allegedly took away a gas cylinder from the kitchen as well.

Police from Gumra outpost, led by SI Pranab Mili, reached the spot after receiving information about the incident early in the morning and launched an investigation.

Katigorah MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha also visited the house and spoke to the family members. Addressing the media, he stressed the importance of public safety and said security was essential for people to live peacefully. He termed the incident unfortunate and said he would raise the issue in the Assembly while also discussing the matter with local police to ensure better security in the region.

Chakraborty further stated that this was the first major dacoity witnessed in the area in recent years. He recalled that a similar robbery had taken place in a neighbouring house around 15 to 16 years ago, during which his own house was also targeted.