Surat : Traders Shut Shops After Robbery-Murder of Jeweller

Surat, Gujarat – Over 2,000 shops in the Sachin area voluntarily shut their shops in protest of the brutal robbery and murder of jewellery on Tuesday. The shop keepers demanded their safety and security in the wake of the brutal murder and robbery incident. 

The murder of jeweller Ashish Rajpara, who tried to stop armed robbers on Monday night, has shaken the commercial district. Traders, feeling increasingly unsafe due to rising criminal activity in the area, shut their businesses in protest and are demanding stronger police action and patrolling.

“We never imagined something like this could happen here. Loot and firing in broad daylight—how can we work in such fear?” said Ishwar, a local trader.

History of Crime in Sachin

This is not the first time Sachin has witnessed criminal incidents. In recent years, bank heists, home invasions, and armed robberies have plagued the area. In one case, robbers looted a Gujarat Gramin Bank using a lighter-shaped pistol, while last year, helmet-wearing robbers escaped with over ₹4 lakh from Maharashtra Bank in Vanch village.

“Law and order in our area has collapsed,” said Kunal Gohil, another trader. “The police must act now. We can’t live or work like this.”

ACP Nirav Gohil confirmed that the accused involved in the latest attack had arrived from Bihar two days ago with intent to commit the crime. One of the robbers has been arrested and is currently hospitalized; police are pursuing the remaining suspects with help from the Crime Branch.

“Different teams are working to nab the accused. We’ve identified all suspects and will bring them to justice,” Gohil added.

Traders Demand Safety and Patrolling

The business community is calling for regular police patrolling and a permanent police outpost near the market. Shopkeeper Vinod stressed, “We need the kind of security where we can run our businesses without fear. Right now, traders are scared for their lives.”