Ambala, 14 November (R. Singh):- Troubled by repeated thefts in Dasmesh Market, a major commercial centre on Shukalkund Road in Ambala City, where thieves have been continuously breaking shop shutters and committing thefts, shopkeepers today met Ambala Superintendent of Police Ajit Singh Shekhawat. The delegation, led by General Merchant Association President Lucky Juneja and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and social activist Ram Rattan, urged him to strengthen security arrangements.
The traders specifically demanded that night police patrolling in the market area be made compulsory and intensified to effectively prevent future thefts. They said that anti-social activities had increased considerably in the Cosmetic Market and surrounding areas in recent times. Taking advantage of darkness at night, thieves repeatedly look for opportunities to enter shops or steal goods. These incidents have caused substantial financial losses to several shopkeepers.
Despite the installation of CCTV cameras in the market, the thieves appear to have no fear of the police. Raising this serious issue, General Merchant Association President Lucky Juneja and BJP social worker Ram Rattan submitted a memorandum to the Superintendent of Police, detailing the ground realities of the area.
They explained that the Cosmetic Market is one of the busiest areas of the city, where goods worth lakhs of rupees are stored in shops. The absence of regular police patrolling at night has emboldened thieves. They demanded that police PCR vehicles and personnel on motorcycles be deployed at all entry and exit points of the market from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and that suspicious persons be questioned strictly.
Both representatives expressed confidence that the police administration would promptly address the traders' legitimate demand. The Superintendent of Police listened carefully to the delegation and assured them that night patrolling in the city's markets, including the Cosmetic Market, would be increased and suspicious persons would be closely monitored so that the business community could operate without fear.
After hearing the traders' concerns, the Superintendent of Police reiterated that police surveillance and night patrolling in the Cosmetic Market and other markets of the city would be strengthened. Suspicious persons would be kept under watch and necessary action would be taken.
The traders said that thefts were continuing despite the presence of four to five watchmen. They warned that if the incidents continued in the same manner, they would not hesitate to stage a sit-in protest and demonstration.
