RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Aug.12: Panic grips the Jharkhand capital once again late last night when two traders were shot dead near Science City under Bariatu police station in the heart of the city.
Those shot dead were identified as Ujjwal Juice and Shakes owner, Mukesh Sao, and his staff Rohan Kumar. The incident took place when Sao was on way to Kumar’s residence from the shop at around 10pm to drop off his shop.
S.P.(city) Subhanshu Jain confirmed the incident saying ‘primary investigation suggests business rivalry is the reason behind the murder.’ Asked about any breakthrough, SP Jain said ‘the assailant has been identified and effort is on to nab him.’
Asked if Sao had business rivalry, a police official said: “Primary investigation suggests the owner of Ranchi Juice masterminded murder but it will be too early to give a conclusive statement unless the suspect is arrested and interrogated.”
“Sao’s shop was in front of the State Guest House, which is close to BJP state president Babulal Marandi’s residence. Ranchi Juice owner was not happy with this,” the police official said.
After the attack Sao and Kumar both were rushed to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), where Sao was declared brought dead and Kumar died during treatment.
Earlier on July 26, assailants shot dead CPM leader Subhash Munda. On August 4, police arrested three in this connection and recovered firearms used in the crime. Mastermind of the murder was Munda’s friend.
On July 7, a coal trader Ranjit Kumar Gupta (48) sustained bullet injuries after two bike borne assailants shot at him near old Argora Chowk under Argora police station in broad daylight. Later, police arrested the assailants. Later, police arrested three persons in this connection but one involved in the case is still absconding.
Recently the home secretary and police director general held a meeting to improve the law and order but it appears that police are yet to send the right message to those whose morale is so boosted that they do not hesitate to open fire for their personal gain.
BJP state president Babulal Marandi took strong exception to the incident. “Murder once again in capital Ranchi. Firing again in the VVIP area. just say one thing,”It’s a chair, it’s not a funeral, is it? If you can’t handle it then why don’t you get down?” he tweeted.
