In a brazen late-night operation, a group of four unidentified burglars targeted a bustling market complex in the heart of Ludhiana, making off with cash and merchandise despite the area's constant activity. The incident has raised serious concerns about security in one of the city's busiest commercial zones.
The Scene of the Crime: Kartar Complex Near Clock Tower
The theft occurred at the Kartar Complex, located in the prominent area near Ludhiana's iconic Clock Tower. The complex is situated on a main road known for its round-the-clock vehicle movement and regular police patrols, making the burglars' actions particularly audacious. The break-in took place in the early hours of Tuesday, though it was discovered only the following morning.
How the Late-Night Burglary Unfolded
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the site has been crucial in piecing together the sequence of events. The footage shows the group striking at around 1:30 a.m. on Monday night. One of the suspects used an iron rod to forcibly pry open the main shutter of the complex, creating an entry point for the accomplices.
While three individuals entered the premises to carry out the theft, a fourth member of the gang remained stationed outside, apparently acting as a lookout. The thieves attempted to break into five different shops within the complex by damaging their locks. However, they successfully stole items from only two establishments.
Both targeted shops are owned by local businessman Shiva Bindra, who operates garment and eyewear businesses from the basement of the complex. Bindra reported a loss of approximately 10,000 rupees (about $120) in cash along with 15 jackets after he discovered the bent main shutter on Tuesday morning and inspected his premises.
Police Investigation and Expected Breakthrough
Officials from the Division Number 1 police station have taken charge of the investigation. The Station House Officer (SHO), Inspector Balwinder Singh, confirmed that the police have seized the relevant CCTV footage for analysis. A significant development is that the police have already identified one of the suspects seen in the footage.
Inspector Singh expressed confidence, stating that an arrest is expected soon. A formal case has been registered, and investigations are ongoing to track down the entire group involved in this bold heist. The incident has prompted shopkeepers in the complex and surrounding markets to call for enhanced security measures, questioning how such a theft could occur in a supposedly high-visibility and patrolled area.
This burglary near Ludhiana's Clock Tower serves as a stark reminder of the challenges urban commercial centers face, even with surveillance and patrols in place. The local business community awaits swift action from the authorities to restore a sense of security.
