A daring daylight robbery unfolded on ATI Road in Ludhiana on Friday when two masked men stabbed and robbed a jewellery shop employee, making off with gold, silver, a licensed pistol, a mobile phone, and a scooter. The entire heist lasted barely five minutes and was captured on CCTV cameras.
Details of the Incident
The victim, Ranjeet Singh, was alone in the shop between 11:37 AM and 11:41 AM when the assailants overpowered him. They dragged him toward a concealed strong room, thrashed him, and demanded locker keys. When Singh informed them he was only an employee, one accused locked the main door by snatching the automatic lock key, while the other began stuffing jewellery into a bag.
As Singh resisted when they attempted to take the ornaments he was wearing, one of the robbers returned and stabbed him multiple times. They then tied his hands, took his licensed .30 bore pistol kept on the locker, along with his gold chain, ring, and kara (bracelet), and fled, locking him inside the strong room.
Victim's Condition and Family's Response
Raghbir Singh, the victim's father, stated that the duo took five to six minutes to execute the crime. A nearby shopkeeper noticed the suspects struggling with the automatic door while fleeing and alerted the family. By then, locals had rushed Ranjeet to the hospital, where he is reported to be stable.
The victim told police that the strong room is designed to look like a wall, and its layout, along with the automatic locking system, suggests prior knowledge of the premises. The family suspects workers who recently carried out woodwork at the shop.
Police Investigation
Shimlapuri SHO Inspector Jatinder Kumar said that statements have been recorded, and CCTV footage is being analyzed to identify and apprehend the accused. The police are exploring all leads, including the possibility of inside involvement.
Recent Robberies in the Area
Ludhiana has witnessed a spate of robberies in recent months:
- April 17: Three assailants assaulted Hardeep Singh, a liquor company worker, outside the firm's Vishal Nagar office and robbed him of ₹17 lakh. Police later arrested the accused, including former employees identified as masterminds, and recovered ₹11 lakh.
- March 14: Masked robbers attempted to loot a money changer's shop in Ganesh Nagar, Janakpuri. After flashing a gun and demanding cash, they were chased away when owner Neeraj Tiwari fought back with a sword. The incident was captured on CCTV.
- February 23: A gang targeted a government construction site near Lohara bridge on Sidhwan Canal in the wee hours, tied up two guards, and fled with about 440 shuttering plates worth around ₹12 lakh in a truck.
These incidents have raised concerns about law and order in the city, with residents demanding increased police patrolling and surveillance.
