Boudhgarh, Feb 24: Masked robbers allegedly attacked a woman inside her home during a late-night burglary attempt in Boudh, a source said on Tuesday.

The incident has heightened concern among residents amid reports of rising criminal activity in the area.

The attempted robbery took place within the jurisdiction of Boudh Model Police Station. According to preliminary information, a group of masked assailants forced their way into the house of local resident Mohammed Safiyul with the intention of looting valuables.

The source said the woman in the house confronted the intruders and resisted the robbery. The attackers allegedly assaulted her brutally, leaving her seriously injured.

Hearing her screams, other family members and neighbours rushed to the spot. Fearing they would be caught, the assailants fled the scene without taking any valuables. The timely intervention prevented what could have been a major loss of property, the source added.

The injured woman was later provided medical treatment. Her condition was not immediately disclosed.

Residents expressed fear and anger over what they describe as a growing menace of masked criminals operating in the town, both during the day and at night. Locals demanded intensified police patrolling and the immediate arrest of those responsible.

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Police from Boudh Model Police Station reached the spot soon after being alerted and launched an investigation.

Odisha Records High Dacoity Rate: NCRB Data

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2023 report, Odisha recorded 370 cases of dacoity. The state’s dacoity crime rate stands at 0.8, more than double the national average of 0.3. The data also shows that Odisha’s incidence of dacoity is disproportionately high compared to its population share.