Gold

The Rs32 lakh successful loot in the 350-year-old Manekchowk gold market has forced several traders and
jewellers to rethink their policy of minimum security.

It should be noted that the labyrinth of streets and congested geographical location of the market in
Manekchowk had allowed jewellers to make do with minimum security.

No loot has ever been reported in Manekchowk and the traders had been managing their business with
almost zero security.
"We were too shocked after hearing of the loot that too in this market," said Pragnesh Soni, a jewellery
trader in Manekchowk.

Talking to DNA, director of the 111-year-old Ahmedabad Chokshi Mahajan, Rajnikant Chokshi said that this
is the first such incident in the history of the market.

"The modus operandi of the loot indicates that it was carried out by someone who was well acquainted with
both the victim and the area. But the fact that it happened in Manekchowk is shocking," said Chokshi said.

He, however, said that the shop, which was looted, is not exactly in the Manekchowk gold market but is
slightly away from the main market. This, Chokshi believes, may have definitely helped the robbers.

Concerned about the safety of the gold merchants, he said it is time the bullion traders of Manekchowk
protect themselves either with the help of armed guards or a licensed gun. "The police are busy with several
other things. It is time we manage our own security in Manekchowk," said Chokshi.

He also said that the gold traders in the market should use latest technologies like CCTV cameras to secure
themselves."The CCTV cameras would have been of much help in nabbing the culprits," he said.

Manek Chowk is amongst the busiest areas in Ahmedabad. It’s amongst the most popular market
areas in the city renowned for its gold trade market. Situated on the east of the Jama Masjid, the
market is also a favorite for some of the most scrumptious food with families driving up there for
some of the most delectable food in the city. Antiques are yet another find here.

Vendors and Hawkers

Manekchowk is the main vegetable market in Ahmedabad city. Vendors and

hawkers have been selling there for the last three generations but as the city has grown,
the square has become more crowded. In January, 1980, the city authorities decided to
remove all vendors from the market. Hundreds of women were displaced from
employment. So the vendor sisters organized a satyagragha (passive strike), occupying
their places in spite of police orders.
 SEWA filed a petition to the Supreme Court seeking social justice for the vendors
and hawkers. After a two year delay, the vendors received licenses and were assured
space in the existing market. *We are giving a useful service to city dwellers. We are
respectable traders, through small. We are not to be treated as criminals. A new modem
market is being built in consultation with SEWA for the vendors.