Shopkeeper’s Store Burglarised on Bijoya Dashami Night in Belonia, Same Shop Targeted Twice in Six Months

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 22, 2026

A burglary at a small shop owned by an elderly tea seller at North Kalabaria Market in Belonia has triggered concern among local residents, raising fresh questions about nighttime security, police patrolling and the safety of small traders in the area.

The incident reportedly took place on the night of Bijoya Dashami, when shop owner Uttam Mitra, an elderly tea seller, closed his shop and returned home after the day's business. However, when he arrived at the shop the following morning, he allegedly found the lock broken, the shutter open and the interior in disarray.

According to the allegations, the thieves made off with cigarettes, cold drinks and cash from the shop's cash box. The total loss has been estimated at approximately Rs 10,000.

What has particularly alarmed residents is that this was reportedly not the first burglary at the same establishment. The shop had allegedly been targeted in a similar incident around six months ago. The recurrence of theft at the same location has intensified concerns among local traders and residents about the effectiveness of existing security arrangements.

The repeated targeting of Mitra's shop has raised questions about whether adequate preventive measures are being taken to protect small businesses in the market area.

For an elderly shopkeeper who depends on his daily earnings for his livelihood, even a loss of around Rs 10,000 can represent a significant financial setback. The incident has also highlighted the vulnerability of small traders who may lack the resources to install surveillance cameras, employ private security personnel or otherwise protect their establishments after business hours.

Local residents are seeking answers about why the same shop has reportedly suffered two burglaries within six months and whether the earlier incident led to any arrests or recovery of stolen property.

Residents have also raised concerns about the situation in and around North Kalabaria Market after evening hours. According to local allegations, parts of the market become gathering places for people allegedly involved in substance abuse, with reports of discarded bottles and syringes and suspected cannabis use.

These allegations have prompted demands for closer surveillance and more effective intervention by the authorities.

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