Shillong: Ahead of Christmas burglars broke into the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Assembly book room in Jowai, the district headquarters of West Jaintia Hills and made good with a two ton safe that held cash and other valuable items, a police official said on Saturday.
The incident happened on Friday night, but the matter came to light at around 9:15 am on Saturday.
The KJP Assembly book room is located opposite the Thomas Jones Synod College and the thieves broke into the institution and broke a two ton safe and took away Rs 52,000 and a mobile phone.
“We have registered a case based on the FIR lodged by KJP authorities. Investigation is on,” Bikram Marak, the district police chief said.
Meanwhile, B Tongper, the person in-charge of the book room, said he found the lock of the office broken.
He said the two ton safe was attached to the wall with iron rods, but miscreants managed to cut them and open the safe.
“The safe was donated by church leaders. At least 20 people had to carry it when the safe was brought to the office. Therefore we suspect there are many involved in the crime as it is not possible to even lift the safe,” he said.
Tongper also said burglars even cooked meals inside the office before or after they carried out the theft. The church authorities have lodged an FIR and also urged people not to buy the safe if the burglar tries to sell it.
“We appeal to the people to inform the police if they come to know anything about the theft or contact our office at the mobile number 9436301389,” Tongper urged.
