In a display of efficient rural policing, Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested a woman, Shabnam Begum, for stealing gold ornaments worth lakhs of rupees from a suitcase in a temple, cracking the case within a day.
The theft was reported on 8 November in Kastigarh, Doda, after the victim, Reshma Devi, discovered her mangalsutra and gold earrings missing.
A First Information Report was registered, and a police probe was launched immediately. Through a series of swift raids and acting on community intelligence, officers apprehended Begum in the Bun Doda area on 13 November.
The police confirmed a full recovery of the stolen jewellery and stated that the accused had confessed to the crime. She was subsequently remanded into custody and has no prior criminal record.
A police spokesperson attributed the success to “prompt action and community cooperation.” The victim, Reshma Devi, expressed her profound relief, saying, “I am relieved and grateful for the efficient work of our rural police.”
The incident underscores a broader 15 per cent increase in petty thefts, particularly targeting temples and homes, in the Doda region in 2025.
The remarkably fast resolution stands in contrast to slower investigative timelines often seen in urban centres and is likely to bolster the argument for increased investment in local policing and community alert systems.
Given the high cultural and financial value of gold in the region, with annual losses estimated at over £50,000, such crimes have a significant impact.
While the quick arrest has been celebrated online, there is an underlying concern that publicising these successes could inadvertently inspire copycat crimes if not accompanied by continued public vigilance.
Written by Were Kelly
Sources: Daily Excelsior (dailyexcelsior.com).
