A private TV channel telecasted news of two bank robberies within 25 minutes of each other, in Karachi, where the thieves took a bounty of Rs. 250 million. There was CCTV footage and many witnesses but the culprits were not caught. There have been many such robberies and many recordings but no one was ever caught due to CCTV footage. Why install such gadgets which cannot help in avoiding these incidents? I believe that what really happens is never disclosed or shown on any channel. One thing is evident that robbing a bank or a jeweler shop is not very difficult. Someone from inside can be bought for a price to help in the deed. Police is happy as they feel that they have hit a jackpot as the price for their silence is greater.
The culprit is never apprehended, though on files, the police keeps looking for them, provided the ‘service charges’ reach the police regularly no action is taken. Usually the deal is made before or immediately after the incident. Police, robbers and the bank management are happy for yet another success. The insurance company sometimes cribs ostensibly but is happy over getting new business. The bank staff can add to the amount stolen and help themselves, with the much needed extra income.
Banks are not robbed any more in developed countries. They have devised systems which entail participation of all concerned in checking robberies and lead to robbers being apprehended only if he manages to go out “alive”. An on line electronic system is operational which causes a hooter type siren to go on in the police station, the moment a robbery starts. A similar device starts making noise outside the bank on an impulse activated by the staff. Additional bells and hooters warn people that a specified bank is being robbed. These are generally installed in a building on the opposite side of road. The people outside the bank get to know that the bank in being robbed, making escape difficult for the robbers. After all it is national money how can the bank management sleep? The Provincial Government, and our Home Department should order all bank to take all of the above measures besides having insurance.
Provincial Government has to enact a law to award death penalty to any one indulging in an act, actual or threatened posing danger to human life It should include acts of robbery, snatching articles forcibly or under a threat of or using firearms stealing a car motor bike, or entering a house for purposes of theft or robbery threatening or endangering human life.
Making a law is not enough it needs implementation and follow up action. We need an honest police, an honest judiciary that can dispense quick justice. There are too many holidays in the courts and many judges take leave for long periods. The government needs to keep some checks and balances on them as well!
HADI IQBAL HUSSAIN,
Lahore, March 19.