Date:01/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/08/01/stories/2005080103920300.htm

Karnataka - Bijapur

Dacoits kill watchman, escape with jewellery

Staff Correspondent

BIJAPUR: Dacoits, who struck at a businessman's house in Adarshnagar colony here on Sunday, killed the watchman and injured four persons before making away with gold jewellery and cash worth Rs. 60,000. Police gave the name of the deceased as Shivaputrappa Sangappa Kavishetti, 55, of Bijapur.

Rajeshwari, Rajashri, Vijayalakhshmi and Ravikiran, who were in the house, were assaulted by the dacoits. They have been admitted to hospital. It is said that eight dacoits first hit Shivaputrappa, who was at the tractor showroom of Mr. Salimath. He collapsed and bled to death.

Before gaining entry into Mr. Salimath's house, which is behind the showroom, the dacoits reportedly disconnected the telephone line. They also snatched two mobile phones from the family members and hit them with rods.

The dacoits broke open the wardrobe and took away Rs. 10,000 in cash. They threatened to kill the family members if they informed the police.

The shocked family members came out only after dawn and informed the police. Two teams have been formed and a dog squad were pressed into service.