Armed robbery in Islamabad's high security neighbourhood raises eyebrows

Published December 2, 2021
A file photo of Islamabad police. — AFP/File
A file photo of Islamabad police. — AFP/File

ISLAMABAD: The recent robbery in a house located in the well protected neighbourhood of the inspector general of police (IGP) has become the cause of concern for many as the residents of the area are feeling unsafe. What is more concerning is that the incident happened in broad daylight close to the residence of the capital’s most senior police officer.

On Nov 29, over Rs9.5 million was robbed from the house of a Karachi-based businessman, Yasir Ansari. Four armed men entered Mr Ansari’s home while he had gone to the market.

They managed to escape with cash, including $14,000, and gold ornaments weighing 40 tolas. They searched up the entire house after holding up the servant at gunpoint.

According to police officials, the robbers were aged between 30 to 35 years. Despite presence of heavy security in the street, which is home to several other influential officials, the robbers were able to break into Mr Ansari’s residence and escape with the loot unnoticed.

A case was registered with Kohsar police station and investigation is underway. So far, the officials said, the investigation had revealed that the suspects were travelling in a black Toyota Corolla with a fake registration number issued by Lahore Excise and Taxation Office.

Footage from the Safe City cameras revealed that the robbers entered the capital from Rawalpindi, using Murree Road and reached F-7/3, police said, adding that footage from cameras installed in the street was also being examined.

The robbers not only carried out the robbery but challenged the capital police by targeting a protected street in the city, the police officials said.

Talking to Dawn, police officials,on condition of anonymity, said 59 robbery incidents were reported in the capital during which the robbers looted cash and valuables worth Rs105,948,000 including Rs30 million from a cash van in I-9 on Nov 8.

Furthermore, police officials hesitated to talk more about the robbery at Mr Ansari’s home as they said it was an embarrassment for the capital police and commenting about it would create problems for them.

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....