The roadside donation box placed near the statue of Our Lady of Vailankanni at Borda, oppo site the Multipurpose High School, was broken into and robbed by unknown persons late on Thursday, sparking outrage among locals. Police sources said the box had been forcibly opened with a rod, and the cash inside stolen. The ex act amount of money tak en is yet to be ascertained. Fatorda Police rushed to the site after receiving in formation, conducted a panchanama, and seized the rod suspected to have been used in the break-in. The spot, a popular site of devotion attracting several visitors daily for prayers, saw locals and devotees gather in shock at the news. Many voiced concern over the lack of police patrolling in the area despite its high footfall. Authorities are re viewing CCTV footage from nearby locations to identify the culprits. Local councillor Cami lo Barretto confirmed that the donation box had been broken open and ex pressed shock that such a theft could occur in such a busy locality. “During the recent novena, a large num ber of people had visited this site. Police have been alerted and must intensify patrolling and nab the cul prits quickly,” he said. Barretto added that, as a precaution, a gold chain earlier adorning the statue had already been removed and secured. He recalled that similar thefts had tak en place at local churches and other sites in the past. Fatorda Police confirmed late on Thursday night that investigations were under way. “The CCTV footage is being checked,” a police source said.
