GROWING DISCONTENT OVER RECURRENT ROBBERIES AT BETODA

PONDA: The residents of Betoda have been tormented by recurring thefts for past one year and their complaints have not been adequately attended by the police. In one year almost ten to fifteen houses have been robbed of their metal goods. The locals have also expressed their grievance over the inefficiency of the police to react to these repeated thefts.

“We have been robbed of most of our metal utensils and equipments. When we complain to the police they point out our carelessness in looking after our belongings. We have been living here carefree for years together. We have also suggested to them the suspects, but the police ask for evidence,” said one of the elderly villagers. Despite being aware of the most likely suspects involved in the thefts, the police have failed to react effectively. Moreover the police outpost at Betoda directs the aggrieved to the police headquarters at Ponda, refusing to take responsibility of any crime in locality. This has particularly been encouraging the robbers to carry on their work with ease.

There seems to be a pattern in the consecutive thefts, as the robbers nab only metallic materials. The villagers also have a suspicion of it being the work of a gang of village youngsters, but no one seems to take initiative and lead a proper delegation of the villagers to the police, in fear for their lives. Except a feeble assurance, the Village Panchayat has also not taken any major action. Ex- Panch Member Ramesh Borkar has expressed his disappointment over the inaction of the concerned authorities, “The fear of robbery has gripped the hearts of people who once lived in safety of trust in each other. With the consecutive thefts has made everyone insecure, and the authorities concerned also do not act as they should have. Today the robbers target copper, iron and brass, tomorrow they will go for more valuable items. This has to be stopped before it reaches that stage,” he said. 

When the police were questioned, Sub-inspector Mr. Gauns said, “We cannot accuse anyone without witnesses or evidence. It is true that the villagers are also helpless, but we cannot act until we find a concrete trail.” The Sub-inspector also assured to take steps as soon as possible to curb the illegal activity.