According to Arjun Rasaili, chairperson of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association, Chitwan, the step was taken after the government turned a deaf ear to their requests for providing security even as incidents of robbery has been on the rise in Chitwan. [break]
Almost all jewelry shops in Chitwan have security guards, while 20 such shops also have closed-circuit television cameras.
Baburam Ramdan, a gold and silver dealer, said looters are increasingly targeting jewelry shops. There are over 150 gold and silver businesses in Chitwan, a majority of them in Narayanghat.
“Some looters come posing as customers. And at night, they break into the shop and steal the jewelries,” said Akash Barali of Barali Jewelry Supplies in Narayanghat. Barali, whose shop was robbed in broad-daylight, has also installed a closed-circuit television camera.
Chitwan police said thieves made away with five gold necklaces from a jewelry shop in eastern Chitwan a few days ago. Thieves are attracted to gold ornaments as they can readily be exchanged for cash.
However, it´s not only the jewelry shops that are being targeted by thieves. People wearing ornaments are also being looted in broad daylight, according to District Police Office, Chitwan. Every month, the police get reports of as many as five such incidents.
Gold and silver worth Rs 50 million is traded in Chitwan every month.
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