Dhubri Municipal Board staffer loses life savings in daylight theft inside office

A brazen daylight theft inside the Dhubri Municipal Board office has triggered shock and a sense of insecurity among employees after a permanent staff member lost her life savings from within the office premises on Saturday.

The victim, Mafida Khatun, a Grade IV employee of the Municipal Board, lodged a complaint on Saturday evening stating that Rs 49,000 was stolen from her bag while she was on duty. Khatun, a resident of Station Road under Ward No. 10 and wife of Mohammad Minaruddin Sheikh, had withdrawn the amount earlier in the day from the State Bank of India’s Dhubri main branch.

According to her statement, the cash was carefully wrapped in plastic and kept inside her purse. She continued with her official duties throughout the day and noticed the theft only while preparing to leave for home in the evening.

Also Read: 'Education Jihad' remarks by Rejaul Sarkar, a threat to social harmony: Himanta Biswa Sarma

“That money was meant for my granddaughter’s treatment,” Khatun said, breaking down in tears. “I believed it was safe inside my workplace. When I checked my bag, it was open and the entire amount was gone.”

Following the complaint, police personnel reached the Municipal Board office and initiated a preliminary investigation. Officials said CCTV footage from cameras installed inside the office and nearby areas is being examined to trace suspicious movement, while individuals present on the premises during the time of the incident are being questioned.

The incident has raised serious concerns over the safety of employees and their belongings within government offices. Several staff members expressed anxiety over the lapse in security and demanded stricter surveillance and preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.