The thefts came to light on Wednesday afternoon when shop owners opened their stores. Sanjay Rushia, owner of Kedarnath Vastra Bhandar, discovered his AC wouldn’t start. Upon inspection of the rooftop, he found the outdoor unit missing. Informing neighbouring businesses, he learned that shops including Cover Cloth, Anukool Garment, Mohit Garment, and Kapil Dresses had also been targeted, with their rooftop AC parts stolen.
Shopkeepers revealed that the thieves had pried open the roof sheets to access the locked AC units and copper wiring. The police reached the site promptly and began an investigation. Owners said the market’s rooftops remain easily accessible at night, enabling intruders to reach the AC units with minimal obstruction.
Some shopkeepers, including Shailendra and Sanjay Rushia, noted that groups frequently use the rooftops at night to drink and gamble, sometimes even lighting fires, posing a risk to the textile shops below. They added that while AC parts thefts have occurred before, earlier incidents were addressed only with standard complaints and limited police intervention.
Police Investigate Using CCTV Footage
Kotwali Police Station In-Charge Kanchan Singh Thakur stated that a formal complaint has been filed against unknown individuals. Officers are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and will question any suspects identified during the investigation. Authorities have assured shopkeepers that steps are being taken to prevent further incidents and apprehend the culprits.
