Ranchi: Once again, criminals carried out a daring act of violence late Thursday evening near Kandra Mor in Saraikela-Kharsawan district. Chittranjan Mandal, the owner of New Mandal Store, was shot after refusing to pay extortion money. Seriously injured, Chittranjan was immediately taken to TMH Hospital by local residents, where his condition is reported to be critical. He sustained a gunshot wound between his waist and thigh.
Upon receiving the news, the Kandra police reached the scene and began an investigation. A spent cartridge shell was also found at the location. Initial investigations revealed that three criminals arrived on a motorcycle, had a dispute with the shopkeeper over the extortion money, and fired at him before fleeing towards SaraiKela.
The attack has been attributed to the notorious and fugitive criminal, Shravana Mahto, and his gang, who were also responsible for a similar incident on April 19. In that case, they shot cement trader Sanjay Barman after he refused to pay an extortion demand of 10 lakh rupees. Despite the serious nature of both incidents, the police have not arrested anyone in the earlier case. Now, just 21 days later, the same gang has once again targeted Chittranjan Mandal, creating an atmosphere of fear throughout the area.
The recurring criminal activities and the police’s failure to apprehend the perpetrators have sparked anger among local businessmen and the general public. They are accusing the police of being ineffective in catching the criminals.