GRAIN TRADER ATTACKED AND LOOTED Rs. 1 LAKH

GRAIN TRADER ATTACKED AND LOOTED Rs. 1 LAKH

23-APRIL-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR-------------------------In an act of brazen audacity on Wednesday afternoon in Dumraon city, criminals targeted a grain trader who was returning home after withdrawing money from a bank. In the city's bustling Chhathiya Pokhra locality, bike-borne miscreants surrounded the businessman, snatched his bag, and fled with ₹1 lakh in cash, two filled checks totaling ₹6 lakhs, and important documents contained within.

However, thanks to the businessman raising an alarm and the prompt response of locals, two suspects were apprehended on the spot. Meanwhile, a third miscreant managed to escape with the bag, while a fourth was already waiting with the motorcycle engine running. Upon receiving the information, the police arrived at the scene, took custody of the two accused from the crowd, and transported them to the police station.

According to reports, Manu Kumar—son of the late Dwarika Gond (alias Bhandola Gond) and a resident of Nandan village within the police station's jurisdiction—is engaged in the grain trade. On Wednesday, he had withdrawn ₹1 lakh from the Punjab National Bank branch located in the Rajgarh complex and was returning home on his motorcycle.

As soon as he reached the vicinity of Chhathiya Pokhra, he was surrounded by four youths on motorcycles who had been lying in ambush. The miscreants then snatched the bag from his hands and attempted to flee. In addition to the cash, the bag contained two filled checks—one for ₹4 lakhs and another for ₹2 lakhs—along with other important documents. Stunned for a moment by this sudden incident, the businessman immediately raised an alarm. Hearing the commotion, nearby shopkeepers and passersby rushed to the scene.

Station House Officer (SHO) Sanjay Kumar Sinha stated that raids are currently underway at suspected hideouts to apprehend the absconding accused, and the entire case is expected to be solved shortly. Locals observe that the activity of petty thieves and pickpockets has surged in the city and market areas during the ongoing wedding season. These gangs are targeting individuals by conducting reconnaissance near banks, ATMs, and crowded marketplaces. Following the incident, an atmosphere of panic prevails among the trading community.

During the ensuing chaos, two of the accused were caught by the crowd, while their third accomplice managed to flee on a motorcycle. According to eyewitnesses, the two apprehended youths repeatedly attempted to mislead the people. They kept insisting that they would ensure the return of the stolen money through their accomplice who had escaped. For some time, they even feigned attempts to contact him via mobile phone; however, both their phones subsequently went switched off. Following this, the public alerted the police. Police sources indicate that the two arrested youths are refusing to disclose their true identities and addresses. They are currently undergoing rigorous interrogation to help track down their absconding accomplice and other members of the gang.