Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: Alert residents of Bhutebhat on Tuesday caught a burglar red-handed after noticing suspicious activity at a bungalow whose occupants had been out of station for the past few days.
Sources said a woman from the neighbourhood noticed unusual movement inside the bungalow and immediately informed her son. The son then alerted neighbours and nearby residents, who quickly gathered at the spot and surrounded the house.
Sources further said that a group of five burglars had entered the bungalow. While four of them managed to flee through the rear door with stolen articles, one suspect was caught by locals while attempting to escape from the first floor using a ladder. The residents overpowered the accused and restrained him until the police arrived.
The bungalow reportedly belongs to a Bhutebhat resident who had been away for several days. The accused, who was later handed over to the Vasco police, is believed to be a resident of Margao. Police sources said it was not immediately clear whether he is a habitual offender.
Vasco police took custody of the accused and have begun further investigation to trace the remaining suspects and recover the stolen property. Police are also verifying whether the gang is involved in similar theft cases reported in the area.
