Binod Prasad
LOHARDAGA
Panic gripped Lohardaga town on Thursday evening after unidentified gunmen shot dead a shop owner in the bustling Patra Toli area before fleeing on a motorcycle, in a brazen attack that has raised fresh concerns over law and order.
The victim, identified as Shubham Sahu, owner of Priya Store, was attacked inside his shop. According to eyewitnesses, two men arrived on a Pulsar motorcycle. While one remained outside with the engine running, the other entered the shop and fired at Shubham from close range. He collapsed on the spot as the assailants sped away.
Several nearby shopkeepers and residents rushed to the store after hearing the gunshot. However, many initially mistook the sound for a bursting vehicle tyre, allowing the attackers to escape. Shubham was immediately taken to Lohardaga Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
A resident of Nari Navadih village under Kisoko police station limits, Shubham was living near Kisoko Mor and managing his business in the town. Family members said he was the only son of his parents. News of his death plunged the family into grief, while a large number of relatives and well-wishers gathered at the hospital.
Police officers and senior officials reached the crime scene soon after the incident. The shop was sealed for forensic examination, and investigators collected evidence while scanning CCTV footage from nearby establishments. Police said technical and scientific evidence is being used to identify the assailants and that raids are underway to arrest those involved.
