A terrifying four-hour ordeal unfolded in Palamu’s Kukahi village when a gang of about 15 armed dacoits targeted a teacher couple. Mrityunjay Mehta, an educator, and his wife Anita Devi were held captive in their home in Mugaljan Tola late Thursday night. The intruders, equipped with firearms and blunt weapons, subjected the couple to severe physical abuse and threats. They systematically looted cash, precious jewelry, and other valuables after ransacking the entire house. Adding to the horror, the dacoits forced the couple to prepare and serve them a meal before they made their escape before dawn on Friday. The incident started when Mr. Mehta heard unusual noises and encountered an armed intruder. The gang’s reign of terror lasted from 11 PM until 3 AM. They menacingly demanded money and keys throughout their stay and left the couple with chilling death threats. Local residents responded by taking the injured couple to the local hospital. Authorities were alerted, and law enforcement officials, including the sub-divisional police officer, visited the site to investigate. The community has voiced strong concerns over the security lapse, emphasizing how the prolonged and unhindered presence of the dacoits exposed critical flaws in the area’s safety measures.
