Traders protest after robbery in Attock

Surround DPO office, block road, set tyres on fire

ATTOCK:

The Sarafa Association observed a shutter down strike and took out a rally after an armed robbery at Haider Jewellers on Monday. The protesters surrounded the District Police Officer (DPO) office, blocked the road, and burnt tyres.

Local bodies Chairman Nasir Mehmood Sheikh criticised the DPO for his behaviour. Police said two unidentified armed suspects looted Haider Jewellers and got away with 14 rings, 12 earrings, and 16 tola gold along with Rs0.4 million. The suspects also snatched mobile phones from the shopkeepers, they added.

The shopkeepers informed Sarafa Association President Muhammad Iftikhar about the incident, while Attock Police Station Head Officer Muhammad Kashif Rana also reached the site with the police team. The police got a written complaint from the victims and left.

Later, the Association’s president revealed details about the police’s conduct to Markazi Anjuman-e-Tajiran President Rashidur Rehman Khan. Both organisations observed a shutter down strike and rallied towards the DPO office. The protesters held placards in which they demanded protection for the jewellers, and demanded action against police officials in Attock.

The protesters surrounded the DPO office, after which heated words were exchanged between the police and demonstrators. The protesters blocked the main road between Karachi and Peshawar, and also burnt tyres outside the office.

Attock District Superintendent Police, who had met with the DPO, told the protesters that he was ready to go with them towards the crime scene. Baldia Chairman Nasir Mehmood inquired the DSP if DPO was present at his office, to which the DSP indicated he did not know.

The protesters insisted they would only hold dialogue with the DPO, and after two hours, he came out of his office. Mehmood said he was facing disappointment at meeting the DPO, as he did not reply to even one of his 10 messages.

Meanwhile, the DPO denied receiving any message and expressed that the protection of the citizens was the responsibility of the police. He said the orders for re-establishment of the police picket in Attock Sarafa Bazaar had been issued.

The DPO claimed they had come close to tracing the suspects involved in the two robberies at the jewellers’ market. However, he said, it was important to keep the investigation confidential. After negotiations, the protesters dispersed peacefully. A case has been registered.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2021.