A 22-year-old shopkeeper in Delhi’s Model Town was robbed of Rs 14 lakh at gunpoint by three unidentified men, prompting a police investigation and search for the suspects. The incident occurred on Friday and has raised concerns about rising crime in the area.

How the Robbery Unfolded

According to police, the shopkeeper, identified as Kartik, was watching a film inside his shop when three men entered under the pretext of updating their mobile number in Aadhaar details. One of the suspects allegedly bolted the shop door from inside, while another pointed a pistol at the victim’s head. The third suspect reportedly placed a knife to his neck and demanded cash.

Kartik told police that the trio then fled with a bag containing Rs 14 lakh in cash. The shop was reportedly locked from inside, leaving the shopkeeper with no means of escape. The incident has been reported to Model Town police station, and a case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Police Response and Investigation

A senior police officer confirmed that a PCR call regarding the incident was received on Friday. The officer stated that the complainant, Kartik, is a resident of Mahendru Enclave and that the police are currently scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas to identify and apprehend the accused.

The police have not yet identified any suspects, and the investigation is in its early stages. However, officials said they are treating the case as a serious crime and are working closely with local authorities to track down the perpetrators.

According to the police, the shopkeeper did not report the theft immediately, but instead filed a formal complaint after the incident. The delay in reporting has raised questions about the shopkeeper’s awareness of the situation, though police have not commented on the matter.

Impact on Local Community

The robbery has caused alarm among local shopkeepers in Model Town, who are now concerned about their safety and the security of their businesses. Many have reported increased police presence in the area, but some remain skeptical about the effectiveness of current crime prevention measures.

Residents of the area expressed concern about the rising number of incidents involving armed robbery. One local shopkeeper said, ‘This kind of incident is becoming more common, and it’s very worrying. We need better security and faster response from the police.’

Experts have noted that the increase in armed robberies in urban areas is a growing concern for law enforcement. According to a 2023 report by the National Crime Records Bureau, Delhi recorded over 1,200 cases of armed robbery in the previous year, a 12% increase from 2022. This suggests that the problem is not isolated to one incident, but part of a broader trend.

The police have assured the public that they are taking the matter seriously and are committed to resolving the case. They have also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

With the investigation ongoing, the focus remains on identifying the suspects and recovering the stolen cash. The case is expected to be a key point of discussion in upcoming police briefings and may influence future crime prevention strategies in the area.