“May we?” Thieves politely tie up 76-year-old Gujarat woman, steal Rs 65,000

• What happened: Four men broke into a Sevalia village bungalow on Jan 10, woke a 76-year-old woman, tied her up, and stole cash and a gold ring worth Rs 65,000.
• Why it matters now: The unusual politeness of the thieves highlights the need for heightened home security even in semi-urban areas.
• What changes for people: Residents may reconsider nighttime safety measures, including CCTV, alarms, and secure window locks.
• Who is affected: Elderly and single occupants in Kheda district and similar areas, as well as local authorities managing crime prevention.

In a rare and unsettling burglary, a 76-year-old woman in Sevalia village, Kheda district, Gujarat, was woken from sleep by four intruders around 11 pm on January 10, 2026. The men, unusually polite, asked for her “cooperation,” tied her hands and feet using her dupattas, and calmly carried off Rs 15,000 in cash and a 4-gram gold ring, valued together at approximately Rs 65,000.

How the robbery unfolded

According to the Sevalia police FIR, the woman, who lives alone with a watchman outside, had just finished dinner when a man woke her. Two men stood near her head, two near her feet. They politely covered her mouth, asked permission to tie her up, and then questioned her about valuables.

She handed over cash for daily expenses and removed a gold ring herself after being prompted. The intruders searched cupboards and drawers but found nothing further of value. Remarkably, they loosened the bindings before leaving and instructed her to stay quiet until morning.

No injuries were reported, and the woman alerted the watchman only at daybreak. Investigators noted a broken mosquito mesh and an open dining window as the likely points of entry.

Police response and investigation

The Sevalia police registered a case of house trespass and robbery. Officers are reviewing nearby CCTV footage to identify the suspects, whose calm words belied the seriousness of their actions. Authorities urge residents to strengthen home security, particularly for elderly or single occupants.

Safety takeaways for residents

Incidents like this underline the importance of:
• Installing CCTV cameras and motion sensors
• Securing windows and doors at night
• Maintaining regular check-ins for elderly residents
• Reporting suspicious activity promptly