Fear has spread among residents of Mahilpur and Kot Fatuhi after a series of incidents over the past two days, including theft, motorcycle snatching, and gunfire.
Police have assured people that the accused will soon be arrested and said the cases are being investigated from multiple angles.
Hoshiarpur/Daljeet Ajnoha/Mar.26 : Residents of Mahilpur and Kot Fatuhi are living in fear after repeated criminal incidents in the area over the last two days. People say they no longer feel safe even while stepping out of their homes.
A gunfire incident was reported yesterday afternoon at around 3:30 pm near a readymade garment shop on Shahidan Road in Mahilpur, creating panic in the area. In another incident, an unidentified thief stole a motorcycle from outside Rana Baker shop in Kot Fatuhi village, belonging to a resident of Pachanangal.
The same night, CCTV footage reportedly captured thieves breaking into Shri Krishna Jewellers in Kot Fatuhi between 1 am and 2 am and stealing jewellery worth lakhs of rupees. Shop owner Anmol Kumar, who lives in Phagwara and commutes daily to Kot Fatuhi, said he received a call around 5:15 am from a sanitation worker informing him that the shop shutter had been broken. He immediately checked the CCTV footage on his phone, informed nearby shopkeepers, and alerted the police.
Police, led by ASI Sukhwinder Singh, reached the spot and began reviewing the video footage. The shop owner said the exact loss will be known after a full inventory check. Police officials said they are conducting a thorough investigation and will take legal action based on the evidence found in the CCTV footage.
In another case, a Platinum motorcycle belonging to Lakhwinder Singh, son of Atma Ram and a resident of Nangal Khurd, was stolen from outside his mobile repair shop in Mahilpur. Lakhwinder Singh said he had parked the motorcycle outside his shop and gone inside for a short while when the thief escaped with it. CCTV footage reportedly shows the suspect taking the vehicle away, and the matter has been reported to Mahilpur police.
***Police Response***
Police have said they are investigating all aspects of the incidents and have assured residents that those involved will soon be in custody. The growing number of such cases has increased public anxiety in the region.
***Public Concern***
Residents are also worried about the continuing shortage of cooking gas and petrol, which has added to everyday difficulties. People say the worsening situation is causing concern for their safety and for the future of their children.
