MUZAFFARGARH (Dunya News) – Tensions erupted between traders and Elite Force personnel in Muzaffargarh’s main bazaar after a jeweller was allegedly abducted by armed men and gold and cash worth millions of rupees were reportedly taken from his shop.
According to traders, the armed men, some allegedly wearing police uniforms and others in plain clothes, raided the jewellery shop, took away gold and Rs2.5 million in cash, and abducted the jeweller, identified as Umair.
The traders further alleged that the men removed the shop’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and digital video recorder (DVR) before leaving the scene.
The incident triggered protests on Multan Road, where traders demanded the recovery of the jeweller and action against those allegedly involved in the incident.
Tensions escalated when traders reportedly detained a man dressed in a police uniform who was allegedly accompanying the armed group and handed him over to local police.
A scuffle subsequently broke out between traders and Elite Force personnel who arrived at the scene to secure the release of a sub-inspector of Multan police who had been detained by traders inside a shop.
Police said Civil Lines police and Elite Force personnel became involved in the situation after the sub-inspector was taken into custody by the traders.
The confrontation added to tensions in the area as traders continued to protest over the alleged abduction and theft.
Police seek formal complaint
Local police said they had not been informed about the operation allegedly carried out at the jewellery shop.
Police officials said action would be taken in accordance with the law if traders submitted a formal complaint. They also said efforts would be made to recover the allegedly abducted jeweller.
The competing accounts have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the reported raid, the identity of the armed men and the alleged involvement of police personnel.
The recovery of Umair, verification of the traders’ allegations and an investigation into the reported theft are expected to be central to the case.
Authorities had not provided further details about the jeweller’s whereabouts or the outcome of the confrontation at the time of reporting.