Jaisalmer: In a major theft incident, Barmer’s largest agricultural market was targeted late Thursday night, with thieves breaking into 20 shops and decamping with cash and valuables worth lakhs. The break-in has sparked outrage among traders, who have accused the administration of gross negligence and threatened to go on strike.According to police, the thieves used jacks and iron rods to force open shutters and locks. The crime came to light early Friday when traders arrived to find their shops ransacked. CCTV footage shows four to six men moving swiftly through the market. Police teams, including the Forensic Science Laboratory, Mobile Operations Base, and Dog Squad, reached the spot to collect evidence. ADM Rajendra Singh Chandawat inspected the site and warned that strict action would be taken against market employees or contractors found negligent. ASP Nitesh Arya said multiple police teams have been formed to trace the culprits. Despite an existing security contract, the thieves managed to break into 20 shops simultaneously, raising questions about the effectiveness of the market’s security arrangements. Employees of the contracted agency are being interrogated for possible collusion. Public representatives, including MLAs Ravindra Singh Bhati and Dr. Priyanka Chaudhary, SP Narendra Singh Meena, former minister Kailash Chaudhary, and BJP district president Anantram Vishnoi, met aggrieved traders. District Jeera Market Traders Association president Gautam Bothra said the market has around 250 shops, accusing the administration of ignoring repeated warnings after previous minor thefts. Traders have given a three-day ultimatum for action, failing which they will close the market and begin an indefinite sit-in.ADM Chandawat admitted a lapse in security and assured that more CCTV cameras will be installed and strict measures enforced. Police said the investigation is in full swing to identify and arrest the culprits.
