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THE BBN POST
THE BBN POST
From the Tracks to the Streets
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📅 Published on Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Burglary Spree Grips Bolani: Three Successive Thefts in a Month Sparks Citizen Alarm and Security Questions

BOLANI: A troubling surge in property crimes has left the residents of Bolani township in a state of growing anxiety, as a third major theft case has surfaced in the area within a span of just one month. The rapidly escalating situation has raised serious concerns regarding local night patrolling and public safety.


Second Strike: DAV School Teacher's Quarter Burgled

The latest incident has once again exposed the growing sense of insecurity among township residents. Rabinarayan Mishra, a teacher at DAV Public School and a native of Bhadrak district, resides at Quarter No. W/439 in the SAIL Residential Colony, Bolani. He had been out of station for about a month when, on the evening of June 13, 2026, a colleague called to inform him that the lock on his front door had been broken.

Mishra rushed back and arrived at his quarter early the next morning, June 14. Not only was the main door's lock smashed, but the locks on all interior doors had also been forced open. Inside the bedroom, the steel almirah had been prised apart and its contents ransacked.

The intruders made off with:

  • Gold: 4 finger rings, 1 pair of earrings, 2 bangles
  • Silver: 2 pairs of paunji (anklets)
  • Cash: ₹6,000

The entire house was left in disarray, with clothes and papers strewn across the floor. The teacher immediately reported the matter to the Bolani police station and submitted a written complaint.


Third Strike: High School Teacher's Quarter Ransacked

The gravity of the situation escalated when another official First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Bolani Police Station. The victim, Lambodar Mahanta, a 49-year-old teacher at Balagoda High School, returned to his rented accommodation at Quarter No. W/531 in Bolani Township to find his home completely ransacked.

According to the official police complaint, Mr. Mahanta had locked his house on the morning of June 14 to visit his native village in the Champua area. Taking advantage of his absence, unidentified miscreants broke the lock to gain unlawful entry.

The thieves made away with valuables totaling an estimated ₹1,68,000. The stolen inventory includes:

  • ₹18,000 in hard cash.
  • Gold and silver jewellery valued at ₹1,50,000, consisting of a gold mangalsutra, a gold finger ring, a gold chain, and a pair of silver anklets weighing approximately 200 grams.

The Bolani Police have registered Case No. 95 under Sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which cover charges of house-trespass, housebreaking, and theft. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) R. Ch. Soy has been directed to lead the investigation.


A Pattern of Lawlessness: Three Strikes in a Month

These targeted housebreak-ins are not isolated incidents but part of a highly concerning pattern. Locals point out that this marks the third major theft targeting the Bolani community in quick succession within a 30-day window:

  1. Mid-May Strike: The spree began on May 15–16 when a prominent grocery shop in Bolani was broken into and looted, dealing a heavy blow to the local business community.
  2. Mid-June Strike – DAV School Teacher's Quarter: The second major strike targeted Rabinarayan Mishra, a teacher at DAV Public School, whose quarter at SAIL Residential Colony was burgled on June 13–14. The thieves made off with gold jewellery, silver ornaments, and ₹6,000 in cash. Mishra had been away for nearly a month.
  3. Third Strike – Balagoda High School Teacher's Quarter: The third and most recent incident targeted school teacher Lambodar Mahanta's residence on June 14, with thieves making off with valuables worth ₹1,68,000. This latest break-in has solidified fears that an organised group of thieves may be actively operating in the region with complete impunity.


Growing Public Outrage

The recurring nature of these break-ins has drawn sharp criticism from township residents. Questions are being raised over the efficacy of night patrolling in residential areas and commercial hubs. With lock-breaking turning into a frequent occurrence, citizens feel vulnerable leaving their homes unattended even for short periods.

Community leaders and residents are collectively urging the Keonjhar district police administration to intensify night vigils, deploy extra personnel, and fast-track the ongoing investigations to restore a sense of safety and order in Bolani.

By Sanjay Sinha

THE BBN POST – Barbil's Verified Voice.