Gunshots fired at jeweller’s shop

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 17

Panic gripped the Kathian Wala Bazaar in the walled city when several persons barged into a goldsmith’s shop and allegedly decamped with around one-and-a-half-kg gold here on Saturday. The incident led to a firing in the market. A monetary dispute is stated to be the reason behind the incident. Police official reached the spot for a probe after the incident.

JS Walia, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP), said gunshots were fired from both sides. He said further investigation was under way and the accused would be arrested after the registration of a case against them.

Shop owner Jaspreet Singh said he had a dispute with several persons over payment for gold jewellery. Around a fortnight ago, the matter was sorted out, he said. According to Jaspreet, he was present in his shop when around five persons came inside while four of their accomplices remained stationed outside. Jaspreet’s father was standing outside the shop. “They started demanding payment once again. Before I could understand, they took 1.50 kg of gold and fled. They were armed. They fired a gunshot towards the shop and also fired several times while escaping. My father, who stood outside, also fired at them in self defence,” he said.

He urged police officials to get his gold back from the accused.

Gurmit Singh Malli, SHO, Kotwali police station, said gunshots were fired. A monetary dispute is behind the incident. He said the police were verifying the claims and further investigation was under progress.

Ashwani Kale Shah, councillor and district president of the goldsmiths’ association, pointed out that earlier too robbery incidents had occurred.

“We have demanded a permanent police post and continuous patrolling in the area. The association members will meet senior police officials again for making adequate security arrangements as it is one of the main jewellery markets in the city,” he added. Others in the area have sought a quick probe into the case.