Ghaziabad, Oct 13 (IANS): The jewellery market in Shalimar Extension of Ghaziabad remained closed for the second day Monday to protest Saturday's murder of a shop owner.

Swarnkar Sangh general secretary Ravi Verma said jewellers are being targeted by extortionists throughout the state. He added that police apathy compelled them to resort to a peaceful protest.

He said: "The police assured us they would nab the killers within 48 hours but there is no headway in the investigation and the police are misleading the media by giving different versions."

Karuna Karan Verma alias Rinku Verma, the owner of Luxmi Jewellers, was found murdered in Raj Nagar Extension area Saturday 11.30 p.m. His body was found on the driver's seat of his car which was in running mode with the air conditioner on. His licenced pistol, two mobile phones and purse were missing.

Apprehending trouble, the police conducted his post-mortem examination at night and cremated his body Sunday morning.

The Uttar Pradesh government has directed the police to nab the criminals at the earliest.

Ghaziabad Police official Ran Vijay Singh said: "Our teams are working to solve the crime."