Man shot dead while resisting robbery

Decrease in crimes observed before lockdown relaxation

LAHORE: A shopkeeper was shot dead over resistance during a robbery bid on Thursday amid concerns about increase in incidents of crime after relaxation of lockdown in the city.

The case was reported in Liaquatabad where a shopkeeper, identified as Hafiz Farooq, was busy in work when unidentified men came to his shop and tried to rob him. He offered resistance on which they opened fire.

The victim suffered bullet injuries and was shifted to a nearby hospital where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. A police team reached the spot and shifted the body to a morgue for autopsy. They also collected forensic evidence from the crime scene and recorded statements of the eye-witnesses.

Official data showed that before the lockdown there had been a considerable increase in incidents of motorcycle snatching in March this year when compared with last year. It was during March that police came on roads aggressively to implement Section 144 for lockdown.

Besides, during the period, every sort of social activity, including economic hubs, public offices, markets, bazaars and entertainment avenues had been shut down and a decrease in crime was observed.

At least 47 cases of motorcycle snatching were reported during March 2020 as compared to 28 last year. During the month, 15 cases were registered in City division as compared to five last year and six in Cantonment division in both years.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 24^th, 2020.