Ramban, Aug 23, KNT: In a major burglary incident, unidentified burglars targeted Maitra Chowk in Ramban district of Jammu, during the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, breaking into eight shops, two residential houses and even a temple.
Locals said the thieves struck silently, forcing their way into several business establishments, including a general store, shoe shop, hardware store, a bike workshop, a bakery, and a readymade garments outlet. The burglars also entered two houses that were locked at the time, and they also made their entry to Sheetala Mata Mandir at Bakshi Mohalla.
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The victims of the incident include well-known traders and residents of the area such as Raj Kumar, Rajinder Singh, Pawan Singh, Bhushan Lal, Janka Singh, Gopal Krishan Sharma, Pritam Singh and Rakesh Singh, all of whom run shops at Maitra and adjoining localities. Two houses belonging to Charan Dass and Bandana Devi, both residents of Bakshi Mohalla, were also burgled in the strike.
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Residents woke up to chaos in the morning, with broken locks and ransacked shops, leaving them shocked and fearful. They said the incident has created panic in the area and highlighted the vulnerability of business establishments that remain closed at night.
Police reached the spot soon after the matter was reported and began investigations. A team has inspected the sites, collected evidence and recorded statements from the affected families. Officials said efforts are underway to identify and nab the culprits.
The incident has sparked outrage in Ramban, with locals demanding immediate action and stronger night patrolling to prevent recurrence of such crimes. [KNT]
