In an unusual string of burglaries sweeping through Delhi NCR, particularly targeting Noida, a gang of burglars has adopted a bizarre modus operandi. These criminals don’t just steal valuables; they also take the time to cook pakoras (fritters) and indulge in leisurely activities inside the homes they invade.
In a day, this gang targeted more than half a dozen homes, with a notable concentration of activities in Noida's Sector 82. Residents have reported multiple break-ins, with six to seven houses being invaded in just one day. The burglars seem to relish their time in the kitchens, preparing and consuming food before fleeing with the stolen goods.
One of the victims, Shriram Tripathi, a resident of Sector 82, lost cash, jewelry, and other valuables worth at least Rs 40 lakh. The burglars struck while Tripathi and his family were in Madhya Pradesh. Using sophisticated tools that operate silently, the thieves broke into his house, cooked pakoras, and left behind used tissue papers as evidence of their peculiar behavior.
"I was shocked to find not just the valuables gone, but also remnants of a meal they had prepared in my kitchen," Tripathi recounted. "They even used my tissue papers while enjoying the pakoras they cooked."
Another victim, Richa Bajpai from Sector 25, reported a similar experience. The thieves broke into her house and stole jewelry worth around Rs 3 lakh. They emptied several water bottles from her fridge, smoked bidi (traditional Indian cigarettes), and chewed paan (betel leaf). They even spat in her bathroom before making their escape.
"It was unsettling to see the mess they left behind," Bajpai said. "The fact that they took the time to eat and smoke in my house is both creepy and infuriating."
In response to these unusual and unsettling thefts, authorities in Noida are ramping up efforts to capture the culprits. Central Noida’s Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Hridesh Katheria, announced that a special team has been tasked with the case. Increased patrolling has been implemented in the affected neighborhoods to deter further incidents and ensure residents' safety.
"We are treating these cases with the utmost priority," Katheria stated. "The peculiar behavior of the burglars is certainly unusual, but we are confident that our intensified efforts will lead to their capture soon."
The community in Noida is understandably shaken by these incidents. The idea of burglars not only stealing but also cooking and lounging in their homes has left many residents feeling violated and anxious. Neighborhood watch groups have become more active, and residents are taking additional precautions to secure their homes.
"We've always been cautious, but this is on another level," said Ankit Sharma, a resident of Sector 82. "The fact that they are so bold and nonchalant about their crimes is alarming. We are all on high alert now."
The peculiar behavior of this gang of burglars has added an eerie twist to the already distressing experience of being robbed. While the police intensify their efforts to catch these criminals, residents of Noida remain vigilant, hoping for a swift resolution to this unsettling series of events.