Sahibganj News: 78-Year Old Petrol Pump Owner Shaligram Mandal Shot Dead in Sahibganj | Tragic Murder in Sahibganj

Sahibganj, December 03, 2024: In a shocking daylight murder in Sahibganj district, a 78-year-old petrol pump owner Shaligram Mandal was shot dead by assailants while on his way to deposit a large sum of money at the bank. The incident, which took place in the Lalwan area of Sahibganj, has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the growing crime rate in Jharkhand.

The Tragic Incident in Sahibganj

On December 2, Shaligram Mandal, the owner of a local petrol pump, was en route to a nearby bank to deposit a significant amount of cash. As he was riding his motorcycle, two unidentified assailants ambushed him and fired multiple gunshots, fatally wounding him. After the attack, the perpetrators fled the scene with the money Shaligram Mandal had been carrying, leaving the victim to succumb to his injuries shortly thereafter.

Police Investigation Underway

Law enforcement officials have launched an intensive investigation into the daylight murder. The police suspect that the crime was premeditated, with the robbers targeting Shaligram Mandal specifically for the cash he was carrying. Following the murder, the police initiated a manhunt for the suspects involved in the shooting and theft.

SDPO (Sub-Divisional Police Officer) Nitin Khandelwal confirmed that two criminals were responsible for the attack and robbery. “The investigation is ongoing and we are working hard to apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime,” Khandelwal stated. He further added that the police were gathering information from witnesses and securing any available surveillance footage from the area.

Shaligram Mandal: A Pillar of the Local Community

Shaligram Mandal, who was well-known in the local community, had not only managed the petrol pump but also ran other small businesses in the area. His reputation as a hardworking businessman made him a respected figure in the region. Shaligram Mandal’s tragic death has left his family and the local community in deep shock.

According to family members, Mandal had been carrying approximately 12 lakh rupees in cash at the time of the attack. The family expressed their grief over the loss, calling for swift justice for the victim. Local residents also echoed these sentiments, demanding stronger security measures to prevent such crimes from occurring in broad daylight.

The Crime Scene and Details of the Attack

The shooting took place around midday, a time when the streets of Lalwan are usually bustling with activity. Shaligram Mandal was reportedly on his motorcycle when he was ambushed by the assailants, who shot him at close range. The perpetrators then made off with the cash, leaving the victim critically wounded on the ground.

Shaligram Mandal was quickly rushed to a hospital in Rajmahal, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. Authorities are investigating whether the crime was a result of a targeted robbery or part of a broader criminal pattern in the region.

Rising Crime in Sahibganj

This incident highlights the growing concerns about law and order in Sahibganj, as the district has seen an uptick in criminal activities in recent months. Local authorities are under pressure to improve security and prevent similar attacks from occurring in the future.

Authorities have assured the public that they are committed to bringing the culprits to justice. However, the murder has raised questions about the effectiveness of current policing strategies in rural areas of Jharkhand, particularly in dealing with crimes in broad daylight.

Reactions and Statements

The tragic incident has drawn reactions from both local officials and political leaders. Jharkhand’s Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and assured that strict action would be taken against the criminals involved. “This act of violence cannot be tolerated and we will ensure that justice is served,” Soren said.

Opposition leaders have also condemned the murder and called for immediate measures to address the growing lawlessness in the state. They have urged the state government to enhance police patrolling and strengthen security in vulnerable areas.

In summary, The daylight murder of Shaligram Mandal has raised alarm bells about the safety of residents in Sahibganj and the effectiveness of local law enforcement. As the police continue their investigation into the crime, the incident underscores the need for stronger measures to combat rising criminal activity in Jharkhand.

With the murder of a well-known local businessman and the theft of a significant amount of money, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this shocking crime. As the investigation unfolds, the residents of Sahibganj await justice for the victim and hope for greater safety in the future.