Rising Theft Incidents at Patna’s Kotwali Police Station Area Amidst Fair Crowd

Patna: Gangs of thieves have become increasingly active in the Kotwali police station area, particularly during the ongoing fair, leading to a spike in thefts of purses, mobile phones, bikes, and jewelry. More than two dozen complaints have been filed at the Kotwali police station, with victims reporting their belongings disappearing in the bustling crowd.

In response to the surge in thefts, the police have deployed plainclothes officers to monitor the area and conduct a crackdown on suspicious activities. Several suspects have already been detained, including women, children, and youths. Notably, five gold lockets were recovered from a minor suspect, although his accomplice remains at large.

One victim, Ravi Kumar, who traveled from Shivpuri to visit the fair, reported that he was pickpocketed while navigating the crowd near the Dak Bungalow. “I suddenly felt someone brush against me, and when I checked, my mobile phone was gone,” he said, expressing frustration over the incident.

Another victim, Prabhakar Kumar, experienced the theft of his bike while attending the fair with his family. He recounted how he had parked his bike beside the police station, only to find it missing upon his return. “I parked it where everyone else did, and now my entire outing has been ruined,” he lamented.

Police investigations reveal that many of the suspects apprehended during the fair are reportedly from West Bengal and Jharkhand. The ongoing fair at Dakbungla intersection has drawn large crowds of devotees and visitors, further complicating the situation and providing cover for the thieves.

Authorities are urging attendees to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior as they work to enhance security in the area.