Migrant behind 22 thefts caught by villager

Villagers at Gobind Nagar in Malsian today brought to a close a saga of many thefts going on at the village and its periphery for the past two months by apprehending the lone man pulling off the heists.

A migrant from UP and currently living in Ludhiana was daily boarding a train to carry out thefts across villages in Nakodar, Malsian and Shahkot areas. Despite repeated complaints to the police, he had been on the prowl until now. However, this morning a vigilant villager caught him minutes before he was about to board his train to Ludhiana.

Identified as Jagdish Prasad, the man was found to be residing in Ludhiana.

Two major thefts took place at a gurdwara and a migrant woman’s house on the intervening night of March 20 and 21 after which a slew of thefts followed in the village. Gold, cash, valuables, brass utensils, among other things were stolen from various homes. Sickened by the thefts, villagers started sending alerts on a group regarding the same and the village WhatsApp group was alerted on Saturday night as well, when a man was found by a granthi on the gurdwara’s CCTV footage – attempting to scale a wall.

Villagers said 22 thefts in the area were carried out by him.

Jaswant Singh, member of the Singh Sabha Gurdwara Committee, Malsian, who caught him this morning, said, “The village saw many theft cases and a bunch of thefts took place in the past two months which had set alarm bells ringing in the village. Some days ago, a man in an inebriated condition broke open the gurdwara golak with his foot and stole money. On the night of March 20), two gold rings, one gold chain and 400 gm silver jewellery along with Rs 10,000 were also stolen from a widow’s house. Subsequently, gold and $300 were also stolen from Punia village. About 22 thefts have taken place in our village and nearby areas."

Jaswant added, “With the granthi’s alarm last night, the villagers thought the thief might have hidden in maize fields. This morning at 5.30 am, I quizzed a suspicious man with a backpack from whose bag, two big brass plates were recovered. Eventually, he admitted to the crime. We informed the police again today."

A team has gone to Ludhiana. Further action will be initiated based on recoveries and further probe."

Jalandhar