MAPUSA
Burglars broke into a jewellery shop in the heart of Mapusa municipal market early Monday morning, stealing a significant amount of gold and silver items.
The incident comes despite the recent inauguration of a police booth in the market, which had raised hopes for improved security.
Nasnodkar Jewellers, a popular shop located in a prime area of the market, was the target of the heist.
The burglars entered the shop through the roof by cutting open a heavily secured gate on the first floor, according to the shop's owner, C Nasnodkar.
"We discovered the burglary when we entered the shop at 10 am. Everything on display, including silverware, that couldn't fit into the safe, was taken," Nasnodkar said.
He added that the shop had been locked securely the previous night at 8 pm.
The owner declined to provide an estimate of the value of the stolen ornaments, but sources in the jewellery trade indicated that the loss could be at least Rs 1 crore, and possibly higher.
The burglars left behind tools such as cutters and hammers, which have been seized by the police.
Surveillance footage from the shop's cameras has also been taken by authorities.
"My only request to the police is to catch the culprits quickly and recover our jewellery," Nasnodkar appealed.
Police sources revealed that at least three suspects involved in the crime have been identified, but officials are remaining tight-lipped.
"We don't want to disclose any details as it could hamper the investigation," said DySP Sandesh Chodankar.
The burglary has raised concerns among local merchants, with Mapusa Merchants Association President, Shirpad Sawant, calling for an urgent overhaul of the market’s security system.
He emphasised the need for better lighting and the installation of additional CCTV cameras throughout the market.
Ironically, the burglary occurred just weeks after the Mapusa jewellers and local police inaugurated a police booth in the market with much fanfare, ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
