The elderly easy target of criminals

Panchkula, January 23
Elderly people in Panchkula seem to be a soft target for criminals. Before yesterday’s incident of robbing the old couple, at least such three local residents, including a couple, have been stabbed to death at their homes for money during the past four years.

Another couple was made hostage at their home by the criminals before decamping with jewellery worth over Rs 12 lakh in May, 2009.

On August 20 last, a domestic help had murdered a 65-year-old woman in Sector 12 when the family had gone outside for an evening walk.

Before this two years ago on June 6, 2009, a servant, along with his accomplices, made hostage an old couple RS Mittal and his wife Sarita Mittal living in Sector 6 of cash and jewellery worth over Rs 12.5 lakh.

Major-Gen Dhingra (retd) and his wife, both over 60, were killed by their servant in May, 2007, at their house in Sector 25.

The accused in all three cases have been nabbed.

The elderly people who are living in city have to be extra cautions for their safety, said DCP Manish Chaudhary. It should be ensured that the door is bolted from inside at least after the dusk as was not done in the current case. The door was not bolted by the Gargs and the criminals had no problem while intruding into the house, he said.

While the door should not be opened on strangers in any case, the well-off couples can also opt for an anti-intrusion system which helps in keeping anti-social elements at bay, suggested the DCP.