Microfinance bank robbed of jewellery worth millions

A private microfinance bank in District Central’s North Nazimabad neighbourhood was robbed of gold jewellery worth millions in the early hours of Sunday with alleged assistance from the on-duty security guard. The incident had occurred in Block D.

Police claimed that unidentified suspects entered the bank with the help of security guard Amanullah, and used gas cutters to break open 22 of the 30 lockers containing customer-collateralised gold jewellery, then escaped with gold ornaments worth millions of rupees.

They also made off with the CCTV digital video recorder system and the security guard’s 12-bore repeater shotgun. Police reached the scene and arrested the security guard. A case was registered at the North Nazimabad police station on the complaint of bank manager Amir Iqbal.

The District Central police spokesman said the security guard facilitated entry for 10 to 12 suspects between Saturday night and early Sunday morning, adding that the suspects had arrived in a white Toyota Corolla and a blue rickshaw.

He said they were carrying welding and cutting tools, including full gas cylinder sets. Police called in the Crime Scene Unit and the Special Investigation Unit to gather forensic evidence. According to the investigators, the guard is cooperating with the police and has identified several suspects.

The spokesman said the District Central police had issued advisories to all banks, including this microfinance institution, regarding heightened security during the Eid holiday period.

The complainant said in the FIR that the bank remained closed from June 6 to June 9 for Eidul Azha holidays, adding that three guards from a private security company were on duty in shifts.

He said the lockers are located on the ground floor, while access is possible from the ATM booth side. The bank provides loans against gold jewellery, which is kept in secure lockers and properly documented, he added.

He also said the robbery came to light when morning guard Umar Deen noticed the compromised entrance and missing items, adding that the guard reported the incident to bank officials and the security supervisor.