Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (MS)

Bantwal, Jan 11: In a daring incident, four masked dacoits entered the residence of Florine Pinto at Vagga early Thursday January 11 morning, robbing gold and cash valued at lacs at knife point. Florine Pinto and her daughter Merita Cynthia Pinto are the sole occupants of the burgled house.

The dacoity occurred at Florine Pinto's new residence opposite Timmakkana Tree Park at Anchikatte near Vagga. The stolen items include various types of golden ornaments weighing 82 grams worth Rs 3.20 lac, stored in a cupboard, Rs 30,000 in cash, and two mobile phone. 

The sequence of events unfolded when the dacoits rang the house's doorbell at 6:30 am. Florine, upon opening the door, was confronted by the masked intruders who brandished a knife, demanding gold and cash. Despite Florine's resistance, the dacoits used the knife to intimidate her into surrendering the key to the Godrej cupboard.

During the altercation, Merita sustained injuries to her hand as she bravely resisted the dacoits, according to information provided by reporter Austin Pinto, Merita's elder brother. Interestingly, it was also reported that a juice machine was stolen from a nearby shop in the same area just two days ago.

SP C B Rishyanth, rural police inspector Shivakumar, SI Harish visited the spot. The investigation at the scene involved the deployment of a canine squad and fingerprint experts.