What Led to the Robbery and Firing Incident in Dhanbad Market?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Robbery and shooting incident raises alarm in Dhanbad.
- Traders demand immediate action from authorities.
- Local leaders criticize the state government for inaction.
- Security measures, including CCTV, are urgently needed.
- Economic activities in the market are significantly disrupted.
Dhanbad, Nov 10 (NationPress) A significant protest erupted on Monday as traders reacted strongly after a businessman was both robbed and shot inside the government-operated Market Committee complex located in the Barwadda police station area of Dhanbad, Jharkhand, late on Sunday evening.
This alarming incident has raised serious concerns regarding the escalating crime rate in Jharkhand’s coal capital, compelling traders to close all 417 shops in the market complex for the day.
The attack occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday when three assailants on motorcycles confronted trader Shyam Bhimsariya as he was concluding his business for the day.
The attackers fired at him, seized a bag containing Rs 4 lakh, and fled the scene. Bhimsariya narrowly avoided being hit, with the bullet reportedly grazing him. The incident incited panic among shopkeepers and customers, prompting many to flee for safety.
On Monday morning, hundreds of traders gathered at the main entrance of the Market Committee complex, chanting slogans against the local administration and demanding immediate arrests. They accused the market, which sees significant foot traffic, of operating without adequate security measures for far too long.
The Market Committee complex stands as one of the busiest commercial centers in Dhanbad, with daily transactions estimated between Rs 7-8 crore.
“We will not accept a situation where traders live in fear for their lives every evening,” stated a member of the traders' association, warning that if the culprits are not apprehended within 48 hours, protests may escalate to other markets throughout the district.
BJP MP Dhullu Mahto addressed the traders, stating that criminals are “operating with impunity” in Dhanbad. “The confidence of criminals has surged due to ineffective policing. The police must act swiftly to restore trust among the traders,” he emphasized.
Jharia Congress MLA Ragini Singh accused the state government of utter failure regarding law and order. “The government remains mute when crime is discussed in the Assembly. People are living in fear while criminals are dictating terms,” she commented.
Outgoing Mayor Chandrashekhar Agarwal called for immediate security enhancements in the market area, proposing the installation of CCTV cameras. He insisted that a permanent police presence be established to avert similar incidents in the future.
President of the Dhanbad District Chamber of Commerce, Chetan Goenka, strongly denounced the attack and criticized authorities for neglecting repeated pleas for improved security.
“It is astonishing that a market generating Rs 7-8 crore in daily business lacks both CCTV coverage and police patrols. Traders cannot function in a climate of fear. The administration must implement lasting solutions,” Goenka stated.