Chhattisgarh: A district Congress office in Ambikapur has once again been targeted by thieves, with unidentified persons allegedly breaking into the premises and stealing 73 water taps while also leaving behind a handwritten message reading “I Love Ambikapur” on a dusty restroom floor, apparently mocking the police and local administration.

Party leaders said the incident marked the third theft reported at the Congress office in recent months. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation, though no arrests have been made so far.

Theft reported at Rajiv Bhavan in Surguja district

The incident took place during the night between May 14 and May 15 at Rajiv Bhavan, the district Congress office situated near Ghadi Chowk in Ambikapur, the headquarters of Surguja district.

District Congress president Balkrishna Pathak said the intruders gained entry into the building through the rooftop before targeting fittings installed inside the premises.

“The thieves entered the office premises from the rooftop and removed 73 taps installed in various washrooms. They also damaged several wash basins, commode flush systems and pipelines,” Pathak said.

In a video circulated by the Congress party, the phrase “I LOVE AMBIKAPUR” was seen written by hand on a layer of dust covering the restroom floor.

Congress alleges challenge to law and order

Reacting to the incident, Pathak described the act as a direct challenge to the police and law enforcement authorities.

“Such audacity by the thieves, who even left a message on the floor, is a direct challenge to law and order and police,” he alleged.

The Congress leader further claimed that drug addicts and anti-social elements operating in the city could be responsible for the break-in.

According to Pathak, the intruders also uprooted a steel grill installed along the staircase. However, they were unable to carry it away and left it behind on the upper floor of the building.

Opposition leader criticises policing and security

Pathak launched a sharp attack on the local administration over the repeated thefts and alleged deterioration in public safety in the city.

He claimed that police night patrolling existed “only on paper” and alleged that even political party offices were no longer secure.

“Not just common people, even offices of political parties are no longer safe. The police personnel are simply too busy handling VIP protocol duties,” he said.

The theft came to light on the morning of May 15 after the office caretaker opened the premises and noticed the damage. Party leaders were informed immediately, following which a complaint was lodged with the police.

Loss estimated at over Rs 80,000

Pathak claimed that the theft and damage caused losses exceeding Rs 80,000. He also stated that this was the third such theft incident reported at the Congress office in recent times.

A police official confirmed that a case had been registered against unidentified individuals under charges related to house trespass and theft.

The official added that the investigation was continuing and no arrests had been made yet.

Agency inputs