Thieves strip tin roofs off Varanasi market shops in coordinated overnight heist

Thieves targeted multiple shops in Varanasi's Bareka Gumti Market late at night, breaking in by removing tin sheets and making off with goods in a burglary that has raised serious questions about the security arrangements in the commercial area.

The incident came to light on Tuesday morning when shopkeepers arrived to open their establishments and discovered that their premises had been broken into. The burglars had removed the tin-shed roofing of several shops to gain entry and then looted the merchandise inside.

According to the shopkeepers, the thieves also attempted to break open the tin sheds of several other shops in the market. The affected businesses include Vikas Communication, Shaka Singh Sports, Dheeraj Sports, Raj Kesh General Store, Big Boy, Shaka Fashion, Shukla Footwear, and Ram Marash Photo Framing, among others.

In the wake of the burglary, traders have raised serious questions about the security arrangements maintained by the Bareka administration. The shopkeepers have alleged that the administration had earlier removed their watchman and also had the watchman's office located at the main gate of the market locked up.

The traders have further stated that CCTV cameras installed in the market have been removed, which has further weakened the security system. At present, only a few shops have private cameras installed on their premises.

Upon receiving information about the incident, ACP Rohania Avdhesh Vishwakarma, Manduadih police station personnel, Bareka outpost in-charge, RPF, and the Bareka Intelligence team reached the spot. The officials have inspected the scene and launched an investigation into the matter.

The shopkeepers have demanded that the administration immediately strengthen the security arrangements, reinstall CCTV cameras, quickly solve the burglary case, and take strict action against the culprits responsible for the thefts.