Theft at shrine inside 'thana' leaves police red-faced

Sasaram: In a breach of security, unidentified thieves targeted a mazar located within the high-security premises housing the women’s police station and the SC/ST police station at Bhabhua in Kaimur district. The incident, reported from one of the district headquarters’ most closely guarded zones, has triggered serious questions about internal security arrangements.The theft occurred late on Friday night in ward number 22. Despite the continuous presence of police personnel and armed guards on the campus, the miscreants managed to break open the lock of the mazar’s donation box and flee with the cash. The incident came to light only on Saturday morning, after which a large number of local residents gathered at the spot.The secretary of the mazar said, “When we arrived in the morning, we found the donation box forcibly opened. We estimate the loss to be around Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000.” While describing the act as the handiwork of “mischievous elements” rather than a planned heist, he acknowledged that the location of the theft had embarrassed the local administration.The incident drew sharp criticism from residents, many of whom questioned how a crime could occur inside a police compound. “If a religious place right under the nose of the police is not safe, what hope does the common citizen have?” said a local resident present at the site.Police have registered a case and initiated a forensic examination of the area. Officials said CCTV footage from nearby locations is being reviewed to identify the culprits. The investigation is ongoing to determine whether the incident resulted from negligence or a deliberate breach of security.Residents pointed out that the incident reflects a worrying pattern. Similar breaches have been reported in neighbouring districts, where police station premises have been compromised multiple times over the past one-and-a-half years. Such lapses have previously led to the loss of arms, ammunition, seized vehicles and crucial evidence.The latest theft inside a police station compound has once again underlined persistent concerns over administrative vigilance and internal security in the region.