Burglars loot gold, cash from ex-panchayat chief's home near Arakkonam
In a brazen theft, burglars made off with 16 sovereigns of gold jewellery, three kg of silver articles, and ₹6 lakh in cash from the residence of T. Sampath, a 58-year-old AIADMK functionary and former president of Kadambanallur village panchayat, near Arakkonam in Ranipet district on Sunday.
The incident came to light in the early hours when Sampath, who had returned home from work around 2 a.m., noticed three unidentified persons fleeing from the ground floor of his house. He had gone to the first floor where his family members and aged parents were sleeping, and it was then that he spotted the suspects.
Raising an alarm, Sampath alerted other family members and neighbours, who rushed to the ground floor to find that cupboards had been broken into and valuables stolen. Preliminary investigation revealed that the burglars had gained entry by breaking the rear door of the house.
The Thakkolam police were informed, and a team led by the station house officer arrived at the scene with sniffer dogs. A case has been registered, and special police teams have been formed to trace the suspects. Investigators are also scanning CCTV footage from cameras along the likely escape routes to identify the culprits.
Sampath, who has been living in the village with his wife, two children, and parents for many years, is a well-known figure in the area, having served as the village panchayat president. His political affiliation with the AIADMK has drawn attention to the case, though police have stated that the motive appears to be robbery, with no immediate indication of any targeted attack.
Residents of Kadambanallur expressed shock over the incident, noting that such thefts are rare in the otherwise quiet village. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward, and further investigation is underway.
Officials have also advised residents to exercise caution and ensure their homes are securely locked, especially during the night. The police are examining all angles, including the possibility that the suspects had prior knowledge of the layout of the house and the presence of valuables.
This incident comes amid a broader concern over property crimes in the region, with police stepping up patrolling in rural areas. However, no official statement has been made regarding any pattern or link to other recent burglaries.
Authorities have assured that every effort is being made to recover the stolen items and apprehend the perpetrators. The case is being monitored by senior district police officials, and forensic teams have collected evidence from the scene for further analysis.
