Amritsar Gold Jewellers Sound Alarm Over Escalating Crime Wave in Punjab
Gold jewellers and precious metal traders in Amritsar have raised serious concerns about what they describe as a growing atmosphere of fear and lawlessness following a significant spurt in criminal activities targeting their businesses. The situation has become so dire that industry leaders are now seeking urgent intervention from the highest levels of government.
Industry Leaders Voice Grave Concerns
Kashmir Singh Rajput, president of the Akhil Bhartiya Swarankar Sangh, highlighted the vulnerability of traders in the current environment. "With precious metals now worth lakhs of rupees even in small quantities, traders — especially those who frequently travel outside Punjab — are becoming soft targets for criminals and organized gangs," Rajput stated. He emphasized that the problem extends beyond isolated incidents to a pattern of regular attacks.
The situation appears particularly acute in Punjab, where reports of robbery, extortion, and targeted attacks on jewellers have become increasingly common. According to Rajput, three to four such incidents occur every week across the state, creating an environment of constant anxiety for business owners.
Multiple Cities Identified as Crime Hotspots
Rajput specifically named several areas as particularly problematic, including Dera Baba Nanak, Batala, Fatehgarh Churian, Gurdaspur, Mukerian, Hoshiarpur, and Ludhiana. These locations have witnessed a concentration of criminal activities against gold traders, suggesting a coordinated pattern rather than random occurrences.
The severity of the situation has reached a point where many jewellers have been forced to make difficult decisions about their livelihoods. Rajput revealed that numerous business owners have been compelled to shut down their operations completely due to repeated threats and violent attacks, representing a significant economic impact on the precious metals trade in the region.
Delegation Seeks High-Level Government Intervention
In response to the escalating crisis, the Akhil Bhartiya Swarankar Sangh has formed a seven-member delegation comprising prominent businessmen from the industry. This group has formally sought an appointment with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the urgent need for enhanced security measures and protection for gold jewellers not only in Punjab but across other states facing similar challenges.
Pankaj Sharma, another gold ornaments trader, echoed the gravity of the situation, stating that "the situation has reached a breaking point." He described how various forms of violent crime have become disturbingly routine for those in the precious metals trade. "Murders, kidnappings for ransom, thefts, and armed robberies have become part of our daily concerns," Sharma lamented, painting a picture of an industry under siege.
The collective appeal from Punjab's gold trading community represents a significant cry for help from an industry that contributes substantially to both the local and national economy. As criminal elements increasingly target valuable commodities, the need for comprehensive security measures and law enforcement attention has become paramount for business survival and economic stability in the region.
