SAMBALPUR: Residents of Saharatikra village within Attabira police limits on Wednesday caught hold of eight alleged paddy thieves and thrashed them black and blue before handing them over to the police.
Even as paddy procurement for the ongoing kharif season is picking up in Bargarh district, farmers of several villages are busy harvesting their produce. However, due to a lack of storage facilities at the marketyard, the farmers are forced to keep their harvested crops at their fields or home with temporary arrangements. Moreover, due to the winter season, the villagers often fail to look after their produce at night.
Recently, several complaints of theft of paddy bags were received from Goudatikra and Saharatikra villages of Attabira. After frequent such incidents, the villagers decided to remain vigilant.