Unidentified suspects broke into a jewellery shop in Orangi Town’s Iqbal Market and stole gold, along with diamonds, police said on Monday.
This was the second such major incident to have been reported. A theft was earlier reported at a jeweller’s shop in Ghanchi Market, Malir City, where unidentified suspects broke the locks during the night between Thursday and Friday, then fled with a safe containing gold and cash.
The latest incident took place at Prince Jewellers located on the main road of Sector 11½ within the jurisdiction of the Iqbal Market police station. A case has been registered on the complaint of the shop owner, Ayub Khan.
According to the FIR, the shop was closed as usual by workers on the night of February 12. When the workers reopened the outlet on the morning of February 14, they found several jewellery boxes empty and immediately informed the owner.
Upon reaching the shop, Khan discovered that the rear wall had been broken through. A subsequent inspection confirmed that a large quantity of gold jewellery, weighing 7,064g (606 tolas), including customers’ items, was missing. Various diamond items valued between Rs2 million and Rs2.5 million had also been stolen.
Police have launched an investigation into the burglary following the registration of the case. CCTV camera footage of the incident has also surfaced. It shows a thin suspect breaking through the rear wall to gain entry into the shop.
The footage shows that the hole in the wall was initially small, and when the suspect first attempted to enter head first, he got stuck. He later enlarged the opening and entered feet first.
The suspect had covered his face with a cloth to conceal his identity. Immediately after entering the shop, he covered the security camera with a cloth, indicating prior knowledge of its location.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar has taken notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the District West police chief. He ordered forming special teams to ensure the immediate arrest of those involved and the recovery of the stolen items.
Police have been told to make use of CCTV camera footage, forensic evidence and other technical means to trace the suspects. He also ordered enhanced security measures at jewellery markets and sensitive commercial centres across the city. He warned of strict legal action against those involved in such crimes.
