Is Patna's Business Community Under Siege After Recent Murders?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vikram Jha was shot dead late Friday night.
- The incident is part of a troubling trend of violence against traders in Patna.
- The police are actively investigating the situation.
- Business associations are demanding increased security measures.
- There is a growing sense of fear and insecurity among the community.
Patna, July 12 (NationPress) In a disturbing repetition of the recent murders of prominent businessman Gopal Khemka and sand trader Ramakant Yadav, another trader from Patna, Vikram Jha, the owner of Trishna Mart, was shot dead late Friday night in the Zakariapur area under the jurisdiction of Ram Krishna Nagar Police Station.
The attack took place around 11 P.M., when unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on Jha and quickly escaped.
Despite being rushed to the hospital by local residents, Jha was pronounced dead due to his injuries, and his body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.
Originally hailing from Darbhanga, Jha had built Trishna Mart into a trusted grocery store in the community, and his sudden death has ignited fear and anxiety among local business owners and residents.
The SP (East) confirmed the incident, stating, “We are thoroughly investigating the case. Statements from local witnesses are currently being gathered.”
Initial investigations indicate that a personal rivalry or a business transaction dispute may have instigated the attack, although no arrests have been made so far.
Police teams are reviewing nearby CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators.
This situation has intensified concerns regarding the safety of traders in Patna, prompting business associations to call for immediate action and enhanced security measures from local authorities.
Recent high-profile cases, including the murders of Gopal Khemka and Ramakant Yadav, have raised significant alarm within the city’s business community.
“If the assailants are not apprehended soon, traders might be compelled to stage protests demanding justice and safety,” warned a representative from a business association.
Gopal Khemka was shot just outside his apartment at Gandhi Maidan, while Ramakant Yadav was killed outside his residence in the Naubatpur area.
Trishna Mart was recognized as a dependable neighborhood store, and Vikram Jha was admired for his integrity and helpful demeanor.
His murder has plunged his family and community into profound sorrow, amplifying the sense of insecurity among traders and residents in Patna.