Lucknow – In a shocking burglary case from the state capital, thieves looted valuables worth over ₹1 crore from the locked house of a petrol pump owner in the Jankipuram area late Tuesday night. What stunned the police even more was that the thieves didn’t just steal — they also raided the kitchen, casually munching on chips and dry fruits, suggesting they spent considerable time at the scene.
The incident occurred at the residence of Durgesh Kumar Mishra, owner of Mishra Brothers petrol pump on 60 Feet Road, Jankipuram Extension. Mishra and his family had left for Bengaluru on May 28 to visit his sister Sarita. When they returned around 1 a.m. on Tuesday night, they found the front gate broken — though curiously, the main lock on the front door was still intact.
Upon unlocking the door, the family was greeted by a ransacked home: broken locks, scattered belongings, and even the rear door bolt forcibly opened.
Heist of Jewellery, Cash and Luxury Items
Durgesh Mishra told the police that the house is shared by his and his brother Ram Manohar Mishra’s families. According to his estimate, the thieves made away with modern and traditional jewellery worth nearly ₹1 crore, around ₹3 lakh in cash, and valuable silk sarees. Even a music speaker was reported stolen. Mishra emphasized that the entire house was thoroughly searched — not a single room or closet was spared.
Chips and Dry Fruits: The Casual Crime Scene
Perhaps the most peculiar detail of the heist was the traces of a relaxed snack session by the intruders. Investigators found open packets of chips and missing dry fruits from the fridge, implying that the thieves were in no hurry. This raises questions about the duration of the burglary and the precision with which it was carried out.
Investigation Underway, CCTV Footage Being Reviewed
Local police from the Jankipuram police station arrived promptly after the family reported the break-in. Officials confirmed that CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed, and a forensic team has been brought in to assist with evidence collection.
Speaking to the media, a police official said, “The planning and confidence shown by the culprits suggest familiarity with the household’s schedule. We are confident of making breakthroughs soon.”
This high-profile burglary has not only alarmed local residents but also highlighted the need for heightened security in city neighborhoods, especially during extended family absences.
