SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, May 18: Praveer Kumar Mahto, a journalist associated with vernacular daily Dainik Bhaskar, was shot at by unidentified bike borne criminals in Baliapur block around, 18 km away from here, on Wednesday night.
The police got him admitted at Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College Hospital (SNMMCH) where doctors referred him to Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) Ranchi after having found his injury critical.
Doctors said the bullet has stranded in spinal cord of rgw body.
Officer in-charge of Baliapur police station Pankaj Verma said that the incident occurred at around 10 pm when the victim was returning on bike to his house in Raghunathpur village from Baliapur block Chowk.
Three criminals intercepted him near Rakhitpur village main road and shot him from close. As Praveen fell down, the assaulters fled on bike from the spot. He was immediately admitted at nearby Baliapur community health centre (CHC). After the first aid police got him admitted to SNMMCH.
SSP Sanjiv Kumar said that the incident is being investigated and assaulters would be nabbed soon.
Officer in-charge of Baliapur police station Pankaj Verma told media persons that Praveen had seen face of all the three assaulters. “Since his condition was critical, the police did not interrogate him,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Dhanbad Press Club has condemned the incident and expressed resentment over lethargic approach of the police. Press Club president Ashok Kumar said that not a single police officer at any level reached the hospital to take statement of the victim. “We waited for more than three hours for police at SNMMCH but they did not come. Since Praveen had seen face of criminals, his statement could have helped the police to arrest but they did not take it seriously,” said Ashok Kumar.
