Helmet Theft on the Rise in Pathsala, Residents Concerned

A wave of helmet thefts has sparked concern among residents in Pathsala, a town in Assam’s Bajali district. In recent days, several motorcycle owners have reported their helmets being stolen from public places, including near markets, hospitals, and educational institutions.

The most recent incident occurred near the Pathsala Railway Station, where a man returned from a tea stall to find his helmet missing from his parked two-wheeler. Similar incidents have been reported near Bhattadev University and the main market area.

“It may seem like a small crime, but for us it’s a serious inconvenience and safety issue,” said Rakesh Das, a college student. “Without a helmet, we risk getting fined or worse—getting injured in an accident.”

Local shopkeepers say they’ve seen a pattern of unidentified individuals loitering around bike stands, often wearing caps or masks to avoid detection. Despite CCTV coverage in some areas, identifying the culprits has proven difficult.

The growing trend has prompted locals to demand more frequent patrolling and better surveillance, especially in busy public areas. So far, no arrests have been made.