A bizarre theft incident unfolded at the Congress district headquarters in Chhattisgarh’s Ambikapur on Saturday, stirring political unrest after a band of unidentified thieves allegedly made away with 72 taps from the office washrooms. What added ridicule to the incident was that they left behind a note, on which “Love you” had been written. 

The burglary transpired at Rajiv Bhawan in the Gandhi Chowk area of the city, touted as one of the high-security and VIP localities. Notably, this is the third theft incident reported at the Congress office, raising concerns over repeated security lapses in the area.

Party leaders said that the accused removed costly taps and fittings from the washrooms with utmost precision, suggesting that they did not possess the fear of being caught. 

“Direct mockery of police,” say Congress leaders

Following the incident, Congress district president Balkrishna Pathak visited the office premises and expressed outrage over the recurring break-ins. He alleged that the growing confidence of anti-social elements reflected a deteriorating situation of the law and order in the city. Furthermore, he claimed that local drug addicts or miscreants active in the area could possibly be involved in the theft. 

He then said that the ‘love you’ note left behind at the scene was a deliberate attempt to mock the police and the district administration. 

Theft in VIP area raises security concerns

The incident has drawn significant attention because Rajiv Bhawan functions as a key administrative and organisational centre of the Congress party in Ambikapur. It also hosts senior political meetings and party activities frequently. Despite having suffered thefts in the past too, the premises are still vulnerable to unauthorised entry during the night hours. 

Police probe underway

The police said they have launched a probe into the incident and are scanning CCTV footage from nearby intersections, as well as establishments in the Gandhi Chowk area to identify the suspects. The forensic and fingerprint teams have also begun working out the case, officials said.