People spending sleepless nights fearing robbers in Raibag, Athani Taluks

BELAGAVI: People in the villages of Raibag and Athani taluks are spending sleepless nights since past two weeks, following the fear of robbers. Fear has been spreading in Chikkodi and Gokak taluks too gradually.
People in groups are making rounds holding sticks and sharp weapons in streets of villages at the midnight. They also sit in prime circles and main locations till the morning.Females sleep in homes half-heartedly keeping chilli powder ready to fight the robbers in case of necessary. More fear is gripped especially among the families live in houses built in farms.
Rumours are spreading since past two months, especially in Raibag and Athani taluks. According to rumours, robbers from outside state come in Omni van at the midnight, kidnap children, rob the houses harming family members and disappear before sunshine. In connection with rumours, some videos are spreading like viral. Some stray incidents in the same manner have strengthened the cause of fear.
The rumours are so strong that, people staged dharna in-front of Kudachi police station in Raibag taluk four days ago, after a woman was attacked by a person at the late night and eloped snatching her gold chain. Police have registered complaint in this regard.
Attempt of robbery by six people held at Bavan Savadatti village of Raibag taluk on Wednesday is the fresh incident being debated all over. According to sources, robbers attempted to rob the house of Annappa Patil at the afternoon. Three among six robbers entered house asking drinking water, after realizing that only Annappa's daughter Surekha (19) is in house. They held her tightly and snatched her earrings. Using her all force, Surekha freed her hands from robbers and started attacking them by stick with loud voice, which made robbers to flee. According to Dhulagouda Patil, president of Bavan Savadatti GP, menace of robbers is not just rumour but true proves with this incident, he said.
Kagawad police in Athani taluk arrested a person based from Bihar a week ago on the ground of doubt, following the rumours. A group of villagers holding sticks in hands stopped the car of Raibag based advocate and RTI activist Surendra Ugare on Tuesday late night near Nasalapur village doubting him as robber. They released him only after checking his details. Speaking to the TOI, Ugare said, "Police department required to take measures in avoiding fear of villagers instead neglecting issue just by calling it as rumour. They could increase patrolling and deploy some KSRP and DAR platoons. Action by police is need of the hour," he said.
Just rumour: SP
Terming it all just rumour, SP Ravikanthe Gowda said already department has confirmed there is no truth behind rumours and called upon people not to scare. He said already night beats are increased in all concerned villages and teams formed to trace people behind rumours. Legal action will be initiated against such people. Meanwhile, he appealed people to inform nearby police station, if they noticed doubtful people. "I am concerned about some people are taking law into their hands and harassing innocents", he said.