Even as Kannada groups actively participated in the city’s Rajyotsava procession, the event also witnessed a major theft spree. More than 300 mobile phones and several wallets were reportedly stolen during the celebrations, leading to a heavy rush of complainants at the Khadebazar Police Station on Sunday (Nov 2). Most of the thefts occurred within the Market Police Station limits.
The state festival, organized on a large scale, drew massive crowds, some alleging that workers were brought in from other taluks and districts for the procession held on Saturday (Nov 1). Amid the festivities, several over-enthusiastic participants were seen flouting rules and playing loud DJ music, while miscreants took advantage of the chaos to commit thefts throughout the day.
Many victims realized their phones and wallets were missing only after the event ended late at night. When some attempted to file complaints on Saturday, police instructed them to return with identification documents, resulting in large queues at police stations on Sunday.
Incidents of large-scale thefts during the Rajyotsava procession have become a recurring issue in the city, sparking widespread discussion across Belagavi and nearby areas. Police now face the challenging task of identifying and apprehending the culprits behind the spree.
