Gold plating solution stolen in bangle market heist

Traders say chemical, though not gold, contains 24 karat gold salts

HYDERABAD:

Multiple thefts occurred in a single night at Hyderabad's renowned Nishat Glass Bangles Market, where unidentified culprits broke into eight shops, escaping with gold plating solution, raw and finished stock, cash, and other valuables worth estimated to be over Rs2.5 million.

The incident came to light early morning when a shopkeeper arrived and found the shutter raised and his shop looted. As others reached the market, it was revealed that eight shops had been targeted.

In protest, the traders suspended business operations, closed their shops, and held a demonstration, accusing the perpetrators of having intimate knowledge of the bangles trade and the value of its materials.

Among the stolen items was a high-value gold plating solution used in polishing bangles, made from 24-karat gold and stored in delicate three-inch glass bottles. Six such bottles were reported stolen - four from Majid Qureshi's shop and two from Nazim Qureshi's.

Victimized shopkeepers included Majid Qureshi, Shah Rukh, Haris Siddiqui, Nazim, Shakeel, and Qasim.

Despite the presence of two night guards employed for years at the market and on duty during the incident, the burglars gained entry. According to police sources, some shop locks were broken, while others were accessed by lifting shutters with a jack.

Market sources said the area around the bangle market has become a hub for drug addicts, with complaints about drug use and sales during nighttime hours. Traders claimed that despite several written and verbal complaints, the police failed to conduct regular patrols or take preventative action.

Following the thefts, the Glass Bangles Dealers Association held an emergency meeting attended by President Yamin Siddiqui, General Secretary Haji Nadeem Siddiqui, Joint Secretary Asghar, and others. It was decided that all shops would remain closed on Sunday in protest.

During the demonstration, traders demanded the SSP Hyderabad take immediate notice, apprehend the culprits, and recover the stolen goods. They also urged the government to compensate for their losses and provide permanent security.

In a statement posted on social media, association leaders said, "The bangle industry, once considered a cornerstone of Pakistan's economy, is now abandoned. Crushed by heavy taxation, weather damages, and now thefts, traders are being pushed to the wall."