Lawlessness was on full display in the Capital where two unidentified miscreants shot at a businessman and snatched Rs 10 lakh in the crowded Unit VI area early on Saturday.
The businessman, Harish Rath, who received one bullet, has been admitted to a private hospital. He is currently under observation as his condition is stated to be serious.
Eyewitnesses said Rath was in his Toyota Innova when two persons approached his vehicle and fired at him following a brief altercation. The incident occurred between 10.30 am and 11 am near Kali Temple Market Complex where Rath’s office is located. He is a stockist with Hindustan Lever Ltd.
Capital Police has launched a manhunt basing on descriptions about the miscreants available from the eyewitnesses. Two persons have been detained in this connection.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Rath had just finished the morning round of meeting and was starting for the bank to deposit the cash. “Everyday in the morning, all the agents meet and the collections __ both in cheques and cash __ are submitted. It was the same routine today. He had left the office and minutes later, we heard a noise and rushed outside to find him soaked in blood,” said an employee, requesting anonymity.
It was the security guard who saw two men engaged in an altercation with his boss. One of them brought out a gun and fired at Rath who was still inside the car with the window panes up. The bullet shattered the glasses and hit him in the right chest before injuring his hand. The two fled the scene with the cash bag.
The businessman, who is strongly built, opened the door of his vehicle and walked towards his office when his employees informed the police and rushed him to the hospital.
Raj Kumar, who runs a barber shop a few metres away, told the police that he saw the two men before one of them pulled the trigger on Rath. The one who fired was driving the bike. He was tall, dark and was wearing a full-sleeved shirt. The one on the pillion too was dark, but short.
Assistant Commissioner of Police P K Patnaik said robbery appears to be the motive behind the incident. However, police are also looking at previous enmity and rivalry. Role of insiders is being examined since the miscreants knew Rath’s timing well.