Mapusa: In a shocking pre-dawn incident, a group of five to seven masked dacoits broke into the residence of a doctor in Ganeshpuri, Mapusa, early Tuesday morning. The intruders held the family hostage for nearly two hours, looting cash and gold worth over ₹35 lakh before fleeing in the family’s car, which was later recovered in Panaji.
Terrifying Two-Hour Ordeal
The robbery took place between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. at the home of Dr. Mahendra Kamat Ghanekar (49). The armed gang entered the house after cutting through a window grill using tools, carrying iron rods and a large knife. In a bizarre twist, the culprits even ate food from the family’s kitchen and asked the doctor’s elderly mother to make them tea during the heist.
Family Members Held Hostage and Assaulted
Four members of the Ghanekar family — the doctor, his wife, his mother, and another relative — were tied up using bedsheets and saris and gagged with pillow covers. According to a family friend, the intruders became less violent after receiving the valuables. “They tied and assaulted the family before demanding cash and gold,” he said, as reported by The Times of India.
Dacoits Disguised in Burqas, Spoke in Hindi
Investigators revealed that the gang members wore burqas to hide their faces and conversed in Hindi with a North Indian accent. All appeared to be in their mid-30s to early 40s. One of the victims was locked in a bathroom to prevent any attempt to alert neighbors. Dr. Ghanekar confirmed that his family was threatened and physically assaulted during the robbery.
Loot of Cash and Jewellery
Police said the gang escaped with around ₹8–10 lakh in cash and several pieces of gold jewellery worn by family members. Fortunately, other high-value ornaments stored in a locker remained safe. Before escaping, the assailants took the victims’ mobile phones, later discarding them nearby, still switched on.
Evidence Destroyed and Getaway in Stolen Car
The robbers meticulously planned the crime, police said. They stole the CCTV recorder from the house to erase digital evidence and fled in Dr. Ghanekar’s car. The abandoned vehicle was found in Panaji hours later, suggesting that the culprits may have switched to another vehicle to continue their escape.
High-Level Police Response
The incident, which occurred in a densely populated area where early morning walkers are usually active, shocked the local community. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, DGP Alok Kumar, and North Goa SP Rahul Gupta personally visited the site. Forensic experts, the dog squad, and Mapusa police conducted a detailed inspection, and a panchnama was recorded at the scene.
CM Promises Swift Action
Chief Minister Sawant assured that the culprits would be caught soon. “Police are conducting a detailed inquiry, and we will track down who did this. It appears to be the work of professionals,” he told Daiji World. Investigators are now examining whether the gang had prior information about the family’s financial status or movement patterns.
