Robbers strike at Nandi Hills in Bangalore

A precautionary measure taken by the Bangalore Rural police to safeguard tourists who visit the Nandi Hills seems to have misfired. After a spate of robberies was reported by tourists en route to the hill, the police had introduced strict measures which included entry restriction between 9 pm and 6 am. But with a third incidence of robbery, reported on the wee hours of Monday, questions have crept up on whether the safety measures have been effective.

However, not everyone was happy with the enforcement of strict rules. Locals who have set up shop atop the hills have lost out on the extra bit of money. And the recent incident of robbery has the police guessing if it was the locals' show of opposition against the move.

In the most recent incident, miscreants broke open the window of a car that was parked at the foot of the hills and stole a stereo system and cash and valuables worth more than Rs50,000. The Qualis, owned by former local MLA and a resident of Devanahalli, Narayana Swamy, was parked at Mourya Circle and the incident is said to have happened between 2 am and 5 am.

The Chickaballapur deputy superintendent of police (DySP) Duggappa said, “This is the third such incident reported in the recent past, and we suspect the locals' hand. The new patrol routine was being followed, but yesterday, the officers in charge seem to have taken a nap, and the miscreants have made the best use of it. This was established as the control room received no answer when contacted at night.”

Earlier an outpost was set up and two constables were put in charge. After the two incidents of robbery were reported, four officers were placed who patrolled around the hills in a jeep in two beats.