By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: In a crime straight out of a thriller movie, unidentified burglars broke into Azam Cloth Market, located in the historic Masti Gate area of Lahore, and made away with Rs 45 million in cash and high-end fabrics. The shocking theft left the business community rattled — but thanks to swift and coordinated action by the Lahore Police Investigation Wing, the culprits were caught within days.
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The incident took place late Saturday night, when most of the city was asleep. According to initial reports, the suspects breached the market’s back wall and disabled a private security alarm system, giving them access to one of the largest textile warehouses in the area.
They broke multiple locks, moved with surgical precision, and loaded cash and premium fabric rolls into a waiting vehicle. The entire operation lasted under 25 minutes.
By the time the shop owner, Rauf Ahmed, arrived the next morning, the shop had been cleared out.
“I’ve been here for 20 years,” said a devastated Rauf. “Nothing like this has ever happened. They knew exactly what they were doing.”
Under direct orders from DIG Investigation Syed Zeeshan Raza, a high-level task force was formed, led by Incharge Investigation Masti Gate, Muhammad Zubair, and Incharge Nolakha, Muhammad Javed.
The team reviewed over 50 hours of CCTV footage from surrounding buildings, which ultimately revealed a white delivery van circling the market multiple times in the week prior. Forensic experts also found glove prints and torn fibers at the scene, giving investigators vital leads.
Using mobile tracking and undercover surveillance, police traced the gang to hideouts in Shahdara and Gujranwala.
In a pre-dawn raid on Wednesday, three suspects — identified as Ali Raza, Shahid “Battery”, and Usman Darzi — were arrested. Authorities recovered Rs 18 million in cash, several stolen fabric rolls, and tools used in the burglary.
Speaking at a press conference, SSP Investigation Muhammad Naveed confirmed the arrests and praised the investigative work.
“This was not a random act. It was a calculated, well-planned crime. But Lahore Police will always be one step ahead.”
DIG Investigation Syed Zeeshan Raza announced commendation certificates for the officers involved, adding:
“Protecting citizens’ lives and livelihoods is our top priority. Our crackdown on criminal networks will continue, without fear or favor.”
The incident has triggered concern across the trading community. Local shopkeepers held a small protest on Tuesday, demanding improved lighting, surveillance, and night patrolling in Masti Gate and other older commercial areas.
“We invest millions here,” said trader Tariq Saeed. “If we’re not safe in our own shops, where are we safe?”
Police have urged citizens and businesses to install proper CCTV systems, avoid keeping large cash overnight, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Though the arrests have brought relief, many are now asking how such a large-scale robbery could be planned so meticulously — and what role, if any, insider information may have played.
Further investigation is underway, and police have hinted at “at least two more suspects” still at large.
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