Robbers disguised as beggars rob shop

BAHAWALPUR: Bahawalpur police arrested two robbers, who in guise of beggars, looted a jewellery shop in Machhli Bazaar in the city on Thursday. The police said that a gang of three robbers, including a girl, in guise of beggars reached a jewellery shop in Machhli Bazaar and looted jewellery and tried to escape from the scene.

The jewellers, however, raised hue and cry and sought police help. A police team immediately reached the spot and arrested two robbers with the help of shopkeepers. However, their accomplice managed to escape from the scene. The police have registered FIR against the accused and launched raids to arrest him. Further probe was underway.

Earlier this year, in a bid to maintain peace, the police in Bahawalpur apprehended more than 600 criminals and registered 503 cases during the first two months of 2017.

A police spokesperson said a crackdown was initiated against outlaws and illegal weapons. During the operation, the police registered 150 cases and arrested 149 street criminals. Besides, six kalashnikovs, 23 rifles, 12 guns, 148 revolver/pistols, eight carbines and three daggers were seized from their possession.

Similarly, in the crackdown against drug dealers at least 224 cases were registered and 231 criminals were apprehended. The police confiscated 5.81 kilogrammes of opium, 34.55 kilogrammes of charas, 121 grammes of Heroine, 7,362 bottles of liquor, eight kilogrammes of hashish and 34 active furnaces from them.

In the crackdown against gambling dens, the police registered 49 cases and nabbed 231 suspects. In addition, 18 gangs of robbers were busted from whom 39 old and 41 new cases were traced.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 2^nd, 2017.