A Thief On The Roof

Thefts have increased in our town. Locks and shutters of shops are broken open by thieves. They are so active that many things get stolen in a matter of seconds. Policemen try hard but they have failed to prevent thefts.

It is said that thieves may leave thieving but not their chicanery. Chicanery means the use of deception or subterfuge to achieve one's purpose. It is a sacred ritual in which it is watched as to where the thefts are possible by breaking open the locks. How can the bolt of the door of the window be released with the utmost ease? How to jump from the boundary walls to reach the spot with ease but without detection.Whether the ornaments are kept in the cupboard or in the bank locker by the madam of the house.

"Yes, all have become too clever these days. From outside they give the impression that they have crores worth of material but in reality, things which come out show that they are ordinary saris bought on sales and imitation jewelry. Only because of their cleverness the thieves get cheated. But what can they do without thefts, only chicanery?"

One must have a strong self-confidence to carry out thefts. Unless a person is full of self-confidence he may not be able to steal. When they are caught during theft they get strong thrashing which further improves their self-confidence. Self-confidence is as much needed for thefts as for climbing Mount Everest.

I get scared when someone presses the doorbell at night. But the thieves are not scared of the doorbell when they knock off the entire door made of Rosewood.

Here in Nimad and Malwa a group of thieves, known as Chaddi Banyan Group, is very active. They look so humble and loyal that they do not even bother for their dresses or appearances while successfully executing the theft with the utmost sense of humility. The thieves are blessed by God so much that they may even carry out thefts wearing a coat and suit. Those who are dedicated to the job are least bothered for their dresses. It is not that thefts are carried out only with cheap underwear but with all types of costly suits too. But such thefts are of different nature. Ideals and principles are totally ignored in such thefts. In Lok Tantra, it is called Jan Sewa or Public Welfare..

There is a general feeling that more thefts take place only where there is intensive patrolling by police. People say that the act is executed in collusion with both policemen and thieves. Such talks only demoralize the police force.No body should indulge in loose talk which brings down the morale of policemen. Even otherwise they have many other types of jobs to do these days. Terrorists keep bomb on rail tracks. Whether they should catch them or save your paltry belongings from a disaster. Policemen know everything, dear brother.

Thefts during the journey are quite common. In olden days people used to travel with a bundle called Gathri. The poet Kabir has said, "There Gathri Me Laga Chor Musafir". The thief is after your Gathri". There was a feeling then, that a lot was stacked inside a Gathri and so the thieves had their eyes on it.Nowadays we have suitcases in place of Gathri which too attract thieves.

Those who steal kidneys are called doctors in their profession. God has blessed us with two kidneys each. In case someone steals one of the kidneys why should we feel bad about it. Are we going to make a pickle of the other kidney?

A few days back it so happened that before the theft the thieves entered the house and cooked rice and dal in the pressure cooker. After eating a sumptuous dinner they could solemnize their noble act. The occupants of that house had gone to some other town to attend a marriage. This provided them an opportunity to feast with full freedom. When people can enjoy a feast in a marriage, how the thieves be deprived in an egalitarian society?

There is a song with the lyrics " I have stolen a moon. Let us go and sit behind a church." This song motivates us to go behind a temple, church, or mosque after stealing at night. You may go to religious places for confession to God or for sharing the booty. The intelligent men feel that they will kill two birds with one stone. You ask for pardon from God and simultaneously share your booty.

"Traditionally there seems to be a relation between theft and moon. One Haiku has said, A full moon in the sky. Beauty to behold. The thief got inspired to sing. The name of this Haiku is Bhushan.

Those who do petty thieving or mean acts are not kept in the class of excellent thieves. A person well known in the world of thieves has opined that some wrong persons have entered into their profession who snatch the chains from the neck of the ladies. They have brought bad names to the profession. The Master Of Thieves has asserted that as long as he was in the profession none had laid hands on ladies even when they made a clean sweep of the cupboards. The big brother admitted that while he had accomplished jobs from breaking a bank locker to breaking rail, wagon he had not cut anyone's neck. There are ethics followed even amongst thieves.

Later, I asked him, " What are you doing at present?"

He replied," Now I am left only with social service which I do happily. I derive great pleasure from it. If I get a ticket from some good political party I may like to contest the election. Have I said anything wrong?"