Chandni Chowk robbery: Traders complain of minimal police deployment in market area
Delhi Police said sufficient staff is deployed in the market but due to extreme narrow lanes and crowded spaces, it becomes tough to control crowds and prevent such robberies
Traders in Chandni Chowk have expressed their frustration over the lack of adequate police presence in the market, leading to rampant lawlessness and criminal activities. In a recent major daylight robbery, four armed men entered an office and stole ₹2.3 crore cash. Sanjay Bhargava, president of the Sarv Vyapar Mandal, stated that the market is plagued by daily incidents involving drug addicts, ruffians, pickpockets, and thieves, with police seemingly absent.
Encroachment on market premises is also a significant issue, with vehicles allowed despite regulations. Bhargava highlighted that police posts are staffed but hardly leave their designated areas, while home guards lack familiarity with the market's layout. Yogesh Singhal, chairman of the Bullion and Jewellers Association, echoed similar concerns about security, noting that traders and their employees are often targeted by criminals.
He emphasized the need for increased police deployment, particularly during peak festival seasons. Traders attribute the issue to insiders colluding with criminal gangs and the challenges posed by narrow lanes and crowded spaces, making it difficult for police to control crowds. The Delhi Police acknowledged the presence of staff but attributed the difficulty in preventing robberies to the market's unique spatial constraints.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
