Burglars break into house, attack family in Nalasopara; one critical

Five unidentified burglars broke into a house at Pelhar village, in Nalasopara (East), attacked and seriously wounded three members of a family and took away some valuables and cash early on Tuesday.

The three are being treated at the Sri Tungareshwar hospital where the condition of Ramzan Pathan, 25, who suffered head injuries, is critical. The father, Ismail Pathan, 70, and his daughter Rubina, 26, are stable.

The family were asleep when the robbers entered their cottage in Vanganapada from the back door, the Valiv police said. They attacked the three family members with iron rods and a hammer. The incident happened at about 3.30am.

The robbers made Shakeela, 23, another of Ismail's daughters, to open the cupboard. From initial information available, they managed to find some gold ornaments, cash and mobile phones, estimated to be worth Rs23,000.

The police said it would take a while before they know what items were stolen. The mother is away on a visit to the family's hometown.

"We were informed about the incident by the hospital after Shakeela rushed her injured family members for treatment with the help of neighbours," the police official said.

He said that three of the robbers went into the house while two of them kept watch outside. It appeared that the robbers had recceed the area and they expected to find a large amount of valuables.

The police have registered a case of dacoity under section of the Indian Penal Code and are looking for the robbers.