Bhadrak: At least eight sacks of rice meant for the mid-day meal (MDM) programme, along with a microphone system and speakers, were allegedly stolen from a schook in Odisha’s Bhadrak district.
According to information, the midnight heist took place at Mangalpada Upper Primary (UP) School in Gobindapur panchayat under the jurisdiction of Dhusuri police station of the district. The theft came to light on Sunday morning when the school’s cook arrived and found the gate open.
The cook immediately informed the school managing committee president, who reached the premises and found the locks of the classrooms and office room broken. The headmistress also rushed to the school, and further inspection revealed that the thieves had broken into the office to obtain keys to the other rooms.
The stolen rice had been stocked for the midday meal (MDM) programme. The microphone system and speakers were also missing. The thieves allegedly left the broken locks and keys scattered in front of the classrooms after carrying out the theft.
Based on tyre marks found at the site, it was suspected that the thieves used a pickup van to take away the stolen rice.
Following a complaint, a police team visited the school and launched an investigation into the incident. The authorities are looking into the circumstances of the theft and the possible involvement of those responsible. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.
