Agra, Oct 14 (IANS) A series of murders, big burglaries and kidnappings in the past six weeks have left residents in the city of the Taj Mahal alarmed over the deteriorating crime situation. Now with just a few days left before Diwali, the tension is palpable in the markets.
Jewellers and goldsmiths have been a favourite target for criminals. On Monday, a jeweller’s shop in Sadar area was burgled. Police said the burglars dug a tunnel to enter the shop. Dinesh Kumar Shukla, the proprietor, told police that jewellery worth over Rs.7 lakh was missing.

Last week a jeweller was shot dead near Vijay Nagar colony, when he was returning home after closing his shop in Kinari Bazaar.

In the past ten days two youngsters have been kidnapped. One returned home, after family members allegedly paid a heavy ransom to criminals in Kathmandu. Nineteen-year-old Vishal was kidnapped Monday.

Senior police officials are alarmed over the sudden rise in crime in the city. Inspector General Vijay Kumar and others have been moving around incognito in crowded bazaars. “We are trying to identify the trouble spots and will ensure prompt action,” Kumar told reporters Monday.

But residents are sceptical about police efforts to curb crime. Many fear “a further spurt in criminal activities as winter sets in. The notorious Babaria and Kachcha Banian gangs would then be active,” said Trans-Yamuna colony resident Hari Dutt Sharma.

“They can’t provide us with safety and it’s festival time. People are scared to move out for shopping. The whole city is gripped by fear. This is when they have a whole lot of senior police officials including an IG police stationed here,” Katra Wazir Khan, a resident here said.

“Women are becoming victims of chain snatchers, desperadoes are on the prowl and danger is lurking at every street corner,” added Rashmi, a homemaker.