A young trader from Uttar Pradesh was violently robbed of a significant sum of money shortly after arriving in Ludhiana, highlighting security concerns in the city's bustling commercial zones. The incident occurred in broad daylight on Saturday, sending shockwaves through the local business community.
Details of the Daylight Assault
Rajdeep Naik, a 20-year-old businessman from Aligarh, had traveled to Ludhiana specifically to buy winter stock for his enterprise back home. After arriving by bus, he took an auto-rickshaw to reach the prominent Madhopuri Chowk, a major hub for hosiery and textile trade. The attack was swift and brutal. The moment he stepped out of the vehicle in front of a local hotel, two unidentified men on a motorcycle intercepted him.
The assailants, armed with sharp-edged weapons, immediately launched an assault. In the ensuing struggle, they snatched a bag containing ₹2 lakh in cash intended for wholesale purchases. They also made off with his mobile phone, two chargers, and several critical travel documents. The entire robbery happened with startling speed, leaving the victim shaken and financially wounded.
Police Investigation and FIR
Following Naik's complaint, the Division Number 3 police swiftly registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the unidentified attackers. ASI Sulakhan Singh, who is leading the probe, confirmed that the case has been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically sections 304 (snatching) and 3(5) (common intention).
Police teams are now actively scanning CCTV footage from the Madhopuri Chowk area and surrounding commercial properties. The primary goal is to identify the suspects and their motorcycle, which would be a crucial lead in the investigation.
A Worrying Trend in Commercial Corridors
This brazen incident underscores a disturbing pattern of crime in Ludhiana's key commercial areas. Markets like Madhopuri, Field Gunj, and zones near the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) have increasingly become hotspots for opportunistic criminals. These locations attract a high volume of out-of-state traders who often carry large amounts of physical cash for business, making them prime targets.
Criminal elements are known to monitor transport hubs like bus stands and railway stations, tailing visitors who appear to be carrying business capital. Beyond the wholesale markets, police have noted a rise in "snatch-and-run" incidents along Ferozepur Road and near bypass entries, where easy escape routes allow motorcycle-borne gangs to disappear into traffic.
Authorities are urging residents and visiting merchants to exercise extreme caution. Key safety advice includes:
- Being vigilant when alighting from public transport in crowded market areas.
- Avoiding carrying large sums of physical currency in visible bags.
- Exploring digital payment options for business transactions where possible.
The Ludhiana police's response to this case will be closely watched by the business community, which relies on the security of the city's commercial nerve centers.
