In a significant development, Karnataka Police arrested a couple in connection with an attempted midnight burglary at the residence of an elderly retired principal in Puttur.
The accused have been identified as Karthik Rao (31) and his wife K S Swathi Rao (25). Police also seized a motorcycle allegedly used during the crime.
The case pertains to an incident reported on December 17, when 84-year-old A V Narayana and his wife were at home. According to the complaint, two unidentified individuals entered the house through the back door around midnight. The intruders had concealed their identities by wearing helmets.
Narayana told police that the accused threatened the couple and attempted to steal valuables. During the confrontation, his wife sustained injuries, and he raised an alarm, which forced the intruders to flee without taking anything.
Despite no loss of property, the seriousness of the threats and the physical struggle led police to register a case under Sections 307 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Following the complaint, the Puttur Kasaba Police Station launched an investigation, analysing CCTV footage, gathering local inputs and tracking vehicle movements from the night of the incident.
The probe led to the identification of Karthik Rao, a resident of the Puttur–Muduru area who was staying in a rented house in Panj, and his wife Swathi Rao. Police also recovered the motorcycle believed to have been used in the attempted burglary.
Officials revealed that Karthik Rao had been working as an assistant priest, a detail that surprised members of the local community.
The accused were produced before a court and remanded to police custody. Investigators are continuing to question them to determine if they were involved in similar offences and to establish the motive behind the crime.
Police are also examining whether the couple had prior knowledge of the victims or specifically targeted the household.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of senior citizens, especially those living independently. Residents have called for enhanced night patrolling and improved surveillance in the area.
Authorities have advised citizens to strengthen home security measures, ensure proper lighting, and promptly report any suspicious activity. They also emphasized the importance of community vigilance in preventing such crimes.
While the arrests have brought some relief to the victim and neighbours, police said the investigation is ongoing to uncover all aspects of the case and ensure appropriate legal action.
