TV
Unidentified miscreants carried out a daring daylight robbery at a prominent jewellery trader near Asureswar Market in Nischintakoili block of Cuttack district on Monday. The accused hurled crude bombs to spread panic and looted gold ornaments worth over Rs10 lakh from the trader, before fleeing the scene.
The victim has been identified as Niranjan Sahu, a local gold trader, who was closing his shop and preparing to return home when the incident occurred.
According to eyewitnesses and police sources, four young men had been lurking suspiciously in the vicinity of the market for some time. As Niranjan stepped out of his shop carrying a bag full of gold ornaments, the assailants launched their attack.
To create chaos and fear among the public, the miscreants first hurled bombs at the spot, causing a loud explosion and scattering onlookers.
Taking advantage of the ensuing panic, they snatched the bag containing the ornaments from Niranjan and made a quick escape. In the attack, Niranjan Sahu sustained injuries and was later taken for medical treatment. Fortunately, no other casualties have been reported.
Soon after the incident, local police reached the spot and began an intensive investigation. Bomb squad teams and forensic experts were also called in to examine the nature of the explosives used. Preliminary investigation suggests that the robbery was meticulously planned, with the attackers having prior knowledge of the trader’s routine and movements.
CCTV footage from nearby shops and streets is being scanned to identify the culprits. Senior police officials have assured that stringent action will be taken and efforts are underway to nab the accused at the earliest.
This incident has raised serious questions over the law and order situation in the region, especially regarding the safety of traders handling large amounts of cash and valuables. The local business community has expressed concerns and urged the police to step up patrolling and security measures in market areas.
As of now, an FIR has been lodged, and raids are being conducted at multiple locations based on available leads. The police have appealed to the public to come forward with any information that may help solve the case.
