Burglars loot several crore from seven shops in Madaripur

A gang of masked robbers carried out a pre-dawn heist at a market in Madaripur Sadar upazila, looting seven shops—six of them jewellery outlets—and making off with gold, silver and cash worth several crore taka, the shop owners claimed.

The incident took place at the goldsmiths’ cluster in Housdi Bazar under Dudhkhali union on early Saturday (April 18).

According to victims and police, the group first broke into New Priyanka Jewellers before targeting Sri Sri Jagadish Thakur Jewellers, New Narayan Jewellers, Bhagyashree Jewellers, New Konika Jewellers, Ma Laxmi Jewellers and a grocery shop, Zia Store. The robbers smashed lockers and cash boxes, fleeing with ornaments and cash.

A construction worker, Milon Molla, who was working nearby at the time, was assaulted and tied up after witnessing the incident. He was later rescued with injuries.

Business owners said the losses were substantial. Bhagyashree Jewellers owner Sentu Mal said about 30 bhori of gold, 500 bhori of silver and roughly Tk 1,00,000 in cash were taken. Parimal Mal of New Priyanka Jewellers said his shop lost around 2.5 bhori of gold, 1 kg of silver ornaments and Tk 95,000 in cash. He estimated combined losses from the six jewellery shops at around Tk 3 crore.

Abul Kalam Azad, officer-in-charge (OC) of Madaripur Sadar Model Police Station, said, “Police rushed to the scene after receiving reports and have launched an investigation.”

“The incident is being taken seriously and necessary legal action will follow,” he added.