A sensational theft took place at the Bir Chandra Manu Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) under Santirbazar subdivision of South Tripura district despite the presence of a night guard.
In a film-style operation, miscreants allegedly broke into the office by smashing a window and stole the department’s Bolero vehicle along with rice, a sewing machine, and other valuable items.
The incident occurred late Saturday night. The night guard reportedly noticed the matter and immediately informed the office authorities and police over the phone.
Acting swiftly, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Manpathar police outpost, rushed to the spot and found the office window broken and the vehicle along with several important items missing.
On Sunday morning, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Santirbazar, Bappi Debbarma, visited the scene. Following preliminary investigation, a forensic team was called in. The forensic experts and subdivision police officials collected samples from the site and launched a detailed probe.
In a major breakthrough within six hours of the theft, police recovered the stolen Bolero vehicle from the Mehendi area of Ambassa-Salema of Dhalai district during a special operation. Along with the recovery of the vehicle, police arrested one suspect identified as Maharom Ali from the Kakraban police station area under Udaipur subdivision.
After receiving information about the recovery, both OC and SDPO Bappi Debbarma rushed to the location.
Police said that several items, including the vehicle, had been stolen. they confirmed that the Bolero jeep had been recovered and one suspect detained, while interrogation was underway to determine whether more people were involved and to recover the remaining stolen items.
The incident has raised serious questions over the security arrangements at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, especially since a night guard was reportedly on duty during the theft. Police are also examining the role of the night guard as part of the ongoing investigation. The daring burglary has created considerable concern in the area regarding the security system at the agricultural research centre.