Assam: Thief breaks in by cutting through roof, escapes with cash from grocery shop

Residents of Sarumotoria in Dispur, Guwahati were left stunned after a burglary was reported at a local grocery shop early Wednesday, September 17 morning.

According to initial reports, the shop owner, Jugal Haloi, discovered the theft when he opened his shop around 9:30 am. As customers had already begun arriving, Haloi went inside to arrange the goods but was shocked to find items scattered across the floor. On closer inspection, he noticed a large hole cut into the tin roof, suspected to have been used by burglars to gain entry during the night.

Haloi, who usually closes his shop at midnight, rushed to the counter and discovered that his cash box containing approximately Rs 30,000 had been stolen. Startled by the incident, he raised an alarm, drawing the attention of local residents and bystanders.

In a stroke of misfortune, Haloi revealed that his CCTV camera had stopped functioning just two days prior, leaving no footage of the intruder. He also expressed concern about the damage to his shop, particularly the gaping hole in the roof, which now leaves the establishment vulnerable.

While the shopkeeper did not immediately inform the police, locals said such incidents highlight the need for better surveillance and patrolling in the area.