No arrest in theft cases, residents fume

Rising cases of theft in the city have raised concerns over the safety of residents and their belongings. Victims whose valuables and cash were stolen in the past one week feel helpless as they continue to make rounds of police stations with no positive outcome. Leaders of political parties have urged the government to intervene and restore public trust in law-enforcing agencies.

Chetna, whose shop is located a few yards away from the official residence of the Commissioner of Police (CP), complained that on the intervening night of November 30 and December 1, thieves broke shutters and stole artificial bridal jewellery worth Rs 5 lakh and a tablet. She said she went to register a complaint at Division Number 8 and the police visited the spot but she was not satisfied with the way the case was being handled.

“There are CCTVs installed all over — at the nearby hospital and right at the CP’s house. If the police want, these footages can easily be taken but they just gave assurances that they were looking into the matter,” Chetna said.

Another resident, Vicky Kalra, said his shop, Kalra Traders, located at Jassian Chowk, Haibowal, was also targeted. “On November 27, thieves entered my shop by breaking its shutters. They took away the camera connector and Rs 35,000 in cash from the drawer. We have lodged a formal complaint but there is no headway. Our shop was not the only target, a few days ago, thieves stole valuables from another shop as well and the CCTV footage is available. Still, no one has been arrested so far,” said Kalra.

In yet another example, Bablu, a safai karamchari, who has a shop near Vishal Mega Mart on Ferozepur Road, complained that his brother and family were away when some miscreants came three days ago, broke the shutters and took possession of the shop illegally. Bablu said the shop was allegedly given to them by someone who had taken a loan from his brother and was unable to repay it and the matter was already in court.

“My concern is that whether the shop belongs to me or someone else, it is for the court to decide. But we have been staying here for the past 10–12 years. A few persons came, broke the shutters and took possession of the shop after removing our belongings and the police are not even bothered to check. We are making rounds of the police station and the area councillor but to no avail. There is no law and order, anybody can come and grab your property anytime,” rued Bablu.

Former MC councillor Parminder Mehta said lawlessness was prevailing all over and the police were not bothered to provide safety to residents. He said incidents of crime and violence were increasing with each passing day, leaving the common man living in anxiety and panic under unsafe conditions.

CP Swapan Sharma said he would look into the matter. “These cases need some time, they cannot be solved within a few hours. The police must be looking into the cases and all angles have to be probed to nab the culprits. We are here for the safety of the public and will crack these cases soon,” he said.