KARACHI: A massive burglary has shocked Karachi after thieves broke into a jewellery shop and escaped with gold and valuables worth nearly Rs300 million, police said on Monday.
According to investigators, unidentified suspects breached the rear wall of a well-known jewellery store in Iqbal Market, Orangi Town, and carried out the heist overnight. Authorities estimate that 606 tolas of gold were stolen along with diamonds valued at around Rs2.5 million.
Wall breach discovered after opening
The shop owner, Ayub Khan, registered a case after workers discovered the theft on February 14. When staff opened the store in the morning, they reportedly found display boxes empty and valuables missing.
Further inspection revealed a hole in the back wall, indicating that burglars had forced entry from behind the premises. Police said about 7,064 grams of custom-made gold ornaments were among the stolen items. In addition, diamonds and other precious valuables had also vanished.
The scale and method of the crime have raised concerns about security in commercial areas, particularly for high-value businesses operating in densely populated neighbourhoods.
Authorities order swift action
Following the incident, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar sought a detailed report from the SSP West and ordered immediate action. Officials said special teams have been formed to track down the suspects and recover the stolen property.
Police are reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding areas and gathering forensic evidence from the crime scene. Meanwhile, authorities urged jewellers to enhance security measures as the investigation continues into one of the city’s biggest recent thefts.
