Madhubani: A grocery trader was shot and injured by two motorcycle-borne criminals who allegedly robbed him of a bag containing cash in Jaynagar town of Madhubani district on Saturday night.The victim, identified as Tinku Mahto (45), a grocery shopkeeper from Kirana Patti, was on his way home after closing his shop around 10pm when the incident took place on Kamla Road. He was riding a motorcycle along with a staff member and carrying a bag containing cash.Police said the two assailants intercepted Mahto near the lane leading to his house, pointed a pistol at him and attempted to snatch the bag. During the struggle, they allegedly shot him in the abdomen and fled with the bag. The exact amount of money looted is yet to be ascertained and will be known after the victim records his statement before police.According to CCTV footage, Mahto tried to chase the criminals after the robbery and rammed his motorcycle into theirs, causing them to fall. However, he lost consciousness shortly afterwards. The assailants managed to escape with the cash bag.The injured trader was first taken to the sub-divisional hospital and later referred to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) for better treatment. Family members said the bullet damaged his intestine and he underwent surgery at DMCH.SSP Yogendra Kumar, Rural SP Shivam Dhakad and Jaynagar SDPO Sadanand Kumar visited the crime spot and supervised the investigation. An FSL team also collected evidence from the spot.Police have formed a special investigation team under the supervision of SDPO Sadanand Kumar to trace the accused. Sources said CCTV footage from the area has helped investigators identify one suspect, and raids are being conducted at multiple locations. The incident has triggered concern among the local business community.SDPO Sadanand Kumar said two criminals had snatched a bag from the trader and shot him during the robbery. He added that details about the contents of the bag would become clear after the victim’s formal statement is recorded.
