Gun shots disturbed the tranquility of the city as unknown assailants fired on a tent house owner in Baridih market under Sidhgora police station area on Monday morning. The victim, David Paul (63), escaped unhurt as the single shot that was fired missed the target, causing a commotion in the market. Sources informed that besides firing a shot, the assailant had also hurled a bomb, which did not explode, but caused panic. A police party led by Sidhgora police station’s officer-in-charge Raju Thakur rushed to the spot after getting information about the incident.
“As per the initial investigation, the firing was result of land dispute between Paul and a local land mafia, both residents of Birsanagar. Criminals had fired at the office of a tent house in Baridih market, targeting its owner David Paul. The assailants had also hurled a bomb-like substance in the office. We are probing into the matter and will come out with concrete results,” said Thakur.
Paul has informed the police that he is fighting a legal battle over a plot of land with a local land mafia and it might be the reason behind the attack. “I am in state of shock. I was sitting at my office at around 10.30 am, I heard a noise. As a portion of the glass pane of the window was smashed in the shot, I came out of the office, but the assailants had fled the spot,” said Paul.
A senior police official said some people are desperately trying to disturb the city and these incidents of grievous crimes are the result of it. “We are taking every step to ensure strict vigil and several drives are being carried out,” said the officer. City-based social worker Rajesh Sinha said the city had been free from crime, but now, the ‘knife culture’ has begun. The police should act with utmost vigil and nab the accused. He said that increase in crime is a matter of concern. Thefts are a common thing, but the recent rise in cases of gun attacks is serious.