Alipurduar, Oct. 1 -- An alleged armed robbery targeting a jewellery trader in Alipurduar on Wednesday night has raised security concerns in the town, ahead of visits by Union Environment minister Bhupender Yadav on Thursday and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday.
The incident occurred around 10 pm at Birpara Chowpathi market, where jewellery trader Prasenjit Sarkar was allegedly intercepted by five men riding two motorcycles while returning home on his scooter with his mother, Usha Sarkar.
According to the complaint, the duo was carrying a bag containing gold jewellery and cash after closing their shop when the attackers allegedly tried to snatch the bag. When they resisted, the miscreants allegedly opened fire.
Three consecutive gunshots triggered panic in the area. While Prasenjit reportedly escaped unharmed, one bullet struck his mother in the leg. Usha was rushed to Alipurduar District Hospital and later referred to Siliguri for further treatment.
Police reached the spot and launched an investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that jewellery worth around Rs 2 lakh, along with cash, was allegedly looted. Police are examining CCTV footage and other leads to identify the suspects.
The incident has caused concern among local traders as the alleged shooting took place at night in a busy area. Meanwhile, another alleged jewellery theft was reported from Patotola near Samuktala Chowpathi on Thursday afternoon.
Victim Minakshi Debnath said that two men arrived on a motorcycle posing as dishwashing-powder sellers. Finding her alone, they allegedly called her out of the kitchen and snatched a gold chain from her neck before fleeing. She claimed the chain was worth around Rs 2 lakh.
Samuktala police reached the spot and are questioning residents and examining CCTV footage to identify the suspects.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.