The presence of police officers provided reassurance to customers and shop-owners
In an unusually extensive security arrangement, the Bidhannagar City Police deployed personnel inside all 160 jewellery shops and artisan workshops under Baguiati police station, following intelligence inputs warning of possible criminal activity targeting major gold establishments during the festive rush. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in Kolkata Stay updated with the latest Kolkata news.
Police officials said the decision to station personnel inside individual establishments was aimed at preventing organised robberies, snatching incidents and shoplifting during the high-value shopping period. Shop owners said the extended shopping hours made additional security necessary. Having a policeman inside the shop was reassuring,” said Pradip Banik, owner of Ananda jewellery House. The arrangements were made to ensure that shoppers and traders could conduct business without fear,” a Bidhannagar City Police officer said.
Kolkata: Uniformed policemen stood guard inside jewellery showrooms, keeping a close watch on customers and staff as thousands of shoppers made a beeline for gold outlets along VIP Road on Dhanteras . The deployment covered prominent national and regional brands, including Kalyan Jewellers, Senco Gold, MP Jewellers and Anjali Jewellers, as well as smaller neighbourhood goldsmiths. Baguiati, one of Kolkata’s biggest jewellery trading hubs after Burrabazar and Bowbazar, witnessed heavy footfall throughout the day, with several outlets extending their business hours until 3am to cater to late-night shoppers. “We have never seen such a large police presence inside jewellery shops. “The rush continued well past midnight. With so many people entering and leaving the showroom, it is difficult for our staff to keep an eye on everyone. The in-store deployment was backed by extensive patrolling along VIP Road and its adjoining lanes. Quick Response Teams, motorcycle squads and divisional patrol units were mobilised to maintain surveillance along arterial roads and narrower stretches around the jewellery hub. “We had personnel deployed inside every jewellery shops under Baguiati PS limits. Additional forces, including motorcycle patrol teams and QRT units, were also on the roads. Download the TOI App.
It certainly makes customers feel safer, especially when they are carrying substantial amounts of cash or gold,” said Mahua Das, a customer from Narayanpur who visited a showroom at Baguiati on Friday.