City Bangalore once known to be one of the safest city in India is now plagued with array of crimes – murders, extortion, chain snatching and robbery. Just ten days ago en elderly couple was murdered in the Jayanagar area, and then on Tuesday triple murder in the same area sent fear wave amongst the residents. What is more shocking is the crime was committed within 100 meters of the Police Station.

Sathyabhama (80), her daughter-in-law Jayashree (45) and Vijayalakshmi (56) were the latest victim of the attack. While Sathyabhama and Jayashree, both widow, lived in 22nd Main, IV ‘T’ Block of Jayanagar, Vijayalakshmi stayed in the 16th Main. Murderers might have attacked all the three ladies with rod-like weapon and have disfigured the fact beyond recognition. The motive behind the murder seems to be monetary gains, but police are still investigation. Seven finger prints have been taken from the scene of crime. Gold, Mobile Phones and valuables were robbed from the house.

Exactly ten days back, an elderly couple (Rangan Family) was murdered in Jayanagar. The motive again was monetary gain. As per sources, the murderers came to know somehow that Rangan family have made a deal worth Rs 8 Crores (which was eventually canceled) and wanted to gain access to that sum.

Jayanagar is one of the posh area of Bangalore and house eminent personalities and politicians. Infosys mentor N R Narayana Murthy, actor Vishnuvardhan and local MLA live near the area where the crime was committed.

Is Bangalore safe anymore? There are already reports of 14 murders in the first 20 days of 2009. And most of the murders have been against the elderly couples living alone. So who is to blame? Is it the modern life-style where young couples find difficulty in adjusting with their parents and leave them isolated in their own home or is it the lack of awareness and lack of community environment, which is giving boost to such crimes. Or is it the modern lifestyle Bangalore has imported from the west, which is driving everyone to make quick money by hook or by crook.

Even as Bangalore is dealing with its improper infrastructure and huge migrations from other cities, the crime rate seems to be one of the biggest problem the city has to deal with. In words of Mr. Police Commissioner of Bangalore – “Its a challenge for us”. While awareness and show-offs are something public has to deal with, Police needs to increase the patrolling, have easy access to their help desk and ensure double protections especially for the elder couples living alone.

Hope this chilling incient and others in the past wake up the administrator and they do take some hard steps to prevent any loss to life.

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