Police SIT to probe Dastgeer Sahab burglary

Security had been withdrawn for 'security concerns'

 Police on Sunday started investigation into the burglary at the shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA), known as Dastgeer Sahab, at Khanyar area of Srinagar Saturday night.
The incident of burglary came to fore on Sunday after a video and two pictures, showing a man trying to break the coffers at the shrine, was circulated on social media.
Police also released the same pictures and CCTV footage of the incident.
However, the burglar was not identified.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate the incident, a Police spokesman said.
It was not known how much was stolen from the shrine's coffers while the locals expressed concern over the role of the shrine management in keeping watch on the shrine's valuables.
A local resident said people Sunday morning learnt that burglars had entered into the shrine Saturday night.
Dastgeer Sahab's shrine is one of the most revered shrines in Kashmir.
It was guarded by Police till April 2019.
However, security from the majority of the shrines was withdrawn due to "security concerns".
As the news about the burglary spread, locals gathered at the shrine and cursed the burglar.
"I wonder how management couldn't look after the donation box," said another resident, who visited the shrine after the burglary.
Police said they received information from the management committee of Dastageer Sahab Shrine that during Saturday night some unknown burglars attempted to break the donation box for stealing cash from it.
"After the commission of crime, the suspected person escaped from the spot," a Police spokesman said.
A case FIR No 66/2020 under relevant sections of the law has been registered at Police Station Khanyar, Police said.
"Investigation into the case is underway," it said adding, a special investigation team had been constituted to investigate the case and CCTV footage as well as photographs of the suspect had been collected for the purpose of investigation.
Police have also sought public help in identifying the burglar, who was caught on camera, involved in the burglary at the shrine.
"Public is requested to share any information regarding the suspected person with Srinagar Police on telephone numbers 0194-2455049, 7006621918, 9469665786 and 9596760874 or Police Control Room on 112.”