In protest against the gruesome murder of rice merchant Vinod Agrawal, the business community took out a procession to condemn the act and seek immediate protection for the traders.
Over 100 traders under the banner of Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry participated in the procession that culminated at Deputy Commissioner’s office. The traders handed over a memorandum demanding immediate action to nab the culprits involved in the act. The officials of chamber also announced to observe Jamshedpur bandh on June 27.
A large number of protesters who took to the streets expressed anger at the failure of law and order in the State. They criticised the authorities for failing to protect the lives of the civilians. The agitators also alleged that the city police had not been successful in stopping the spate of killings. “Our city is gripped with criminal activities. We condemn the killing of all innocent people in past one month or so. We have gathered here to express out anger against the police administration,” said Suresh Sonthalia, vice-president of Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“It is surprising several cases of murder and attempt to murder incidents have taken place recently but in none of the case the police has reached the miscreants involved in the incidents,” said Anil Naredi, a city-based businessman. It may be mentioned that figures show a substantial increase in the number of murders, thefts and robberies taking place across the city from past one month.
Agrawal (44) was shot at and critically injured on Burmamines-Sakchi Road near Tube Company gate under Burmamines police station area on Friday night. Agrawal who was a resident of Sidhgora was rushed to Tata Main Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries past midnight. The trader was attacked by a gang of four bike-borne assailants as he was returning home from the Parsudih-based Krishi Bazaar Samity, where he used to visit regularly from his shop at Golmuri market for the business dealing.
Nonetheless the rising cases of crime in the city have forced the business community to raise voice against the detracting law and order situation for additional security arrangements. The police are yet to nab the offenders, but the business organisations have expressed concerns.