Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 9: Panic has spread across the quiet neighbourhood of Ganeshpuri in Mapusa after a shocking dacoity at the residence of Dr. Mahendra Ghanekar, where armed robbers brutally assaulted the doctor and his elderly mother before fleeing with valuables.

According to neighbours, the terrifying incident unfolded in the early hours after Kojagiri Poornima, when the masked dacoits stormed the Ghanekar home. The doctor’s 80-year-old mother was reportedly slapped several times, while Dr. Ghanekar himself was punched in the ribs and threatened at knifepoint along with other family members.

Neighbours said the ordeal lasted for nearly two hours, with the assailants ransacking the house, eating food, and having tea before escaping, showing no fear of being caught. It is believed that the family was spared only after the attackers found cash and jewellery stored at home.

“There’s fear all around the colony now,” said Ravindra Fogueri, a 74-year-old retired lecturer and neighbour. “Our phones have not stopped ringing since the incident — children living abroad are telling us to lock our doors and stay alert. Most of us here are senior citizens living alone.”

Residents allege that police night patrolling is irregular and often stops after a few days of being requested. “Many thefts have taken place earlier, but this time the attack was planned. The robbers used the compound of an abandoned house to enter the Ghanekars’ residence,” said councillor Shashank Narvekar, who also lives nearby.

Another resident, Zaheer Khanapuri, whose home is just 200 metres away, said his family stayed awake all night after hearing of the incident. “We are terrified. The criminals might still be around. Our women are alone during the day when we go to work — it’s frightening,” he said.

Locals also pointed to past incidents in Mapusa, including the murder of a jeweller in broad daylight, to highlight the deteriorating law and order situation. “Even in the high-profile Dempo family dacoity case in Dona Paula, the culprits were never caught. If such influential families with CCTV and guards are not safe, what about us?” asked Sudin Naik, another resident.

The daring dacoity has left Ganeshpuri residents shaken, with many demanding increased police patrolling and immediate arrests to restore a sense of safety in the neighbourhood.