A gold trader is in hospital after being attacked by three muggers who stole BD40,000 ($105,452), prompting calls for security to be stepped up in Manama, Bahrain.

Rajesh Bhatia, from India, is being treated for a fractured skull at Salmaniya Medical Complex following the assault on Monday (February 2) night, sources told the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

He had just closed his gold bar shop, B A Bhatia Jewellers, in the Manama suq when one of the assailants struck him over the head with a metal rod, knocking him to the floor.

The men then escaped with a suitcase containing the cash, a family friend told the GDN.

"This gentleman closed his shop and was carrying the daily cash collection, which was around BD40,000," he said.

"Three men hit him over the head with an iron rod near a parking lot and stole his money and keys to the shop."

The incident was highlighted yesterday during a meeting of gold merchants and representatives of the Industry and Commerce Ministry's Assay Office.

"We have requested in the past and once again raise the issue of security of gold shops and merchants," said GCC Gold and Jewellery Association chairman Mohammed Sajid.

"There have been a spate of thefts in the past targeting gold shops in Manama and Gudaibiya.

"The robbers stole thousands of dinars of cash from this Indian trader after seriously injuring him, which should be investigated."

He complained that staff also faced risks when they were taking items such as gold bars and jewellery to the Assay Office for certification.

"Sometimes they do not accept all the items and the person has to return with them, as there is no deposit facility offered by the ministry," he said.

"We need to cut down on the risk factor and urge authorities to increase security in the area round the clock."

More than 30 traders attended the meeting yesterday at Bab Al Bahrain Mall.

Problems that came up included the need for more staff to certify gold bars and jewellery.

"There are only three people responsible for stamping gold and jewellery for over 200 shops in Bahrain and, because of this, more time is taken to hallmark the items," said Sajid.

Other issues included an increase in gold jewellery from Dubai, which traders claimed was damaging local business.

Assay Office acting director Abeer Al Alawi responded that it was in the process of recruiting more staff.

"We are aware of the problems faced by gold merchants and the Civil Service Bureau is handling the recruitment process," said Al Alawi.

She also pledged to review an application that traders must fill in every time they submit an item for certification.

"We will follow up the issue and try to make the process easier," she said.

Each trader can submit a parcel containing 100 pieces or 1kg of gold for stamping by the Assay Office. The items are tested for purity and stamped by the office in three to four working days for collection. - TradeArabia News Service