09 September, 2026 – Bagerhat, Bangladesh: Six households in Shibpur Katakhali village of Hijla Union, Chitalmari Upazila, Bagerhat, were allegedly burgled in a coordinated overnight theft during the Janmashtami festival. Cash, gold jewelry, laptops and other valuables were reportedly stolen.
The incidents took place in the early hours of Friday, September 4, while a Janmashtami celebration was underway at a local Hindu temple. According to local sources, many villagers were attending the festival, while others had stayed awake late to watch the festival and were subsequently asleep.
Taking advantage of the situation, a group of burglars allegedly broke through the walls of six houses and entered the homes of Mini Das, Debu Das, Sanjit Barai, Ranjit Barai, Sushen Mondal and Robin Mondal. The thieves reportedly took valuables before leaving the area undetected.
One of the affected residents, Debu Das, said the burglars took advantage of homes being empty because of the religious festival.
The series of burglaries in six homes in a single night has reportedly caused concern and fear among local residents. Baki Billah Sheikh, a member of Ward No. 5 of Hijla Union Parishad, described the incident as the work of an organized and professional group and said steps would be taken with local residents to prevent similar incidents.
Police at Chitalmari Police Station said that, so far, none of the victims had formally reported the thefts or filed a written complaint. However, police said they would make inquiries and take necessary legal action
