Patna: Five armed men looted jewellery and cash worth around Rs 20 lakh from a jewellery shop at Jamapur Bazar under Ziradei police station area in Siwan district on Wednesday. After committing the robbery, the gang opened indiscriminate fire outside the shop to deter any chase, triggering panic in the market.Despite the firing, some shopkeepers and villagers chased the robbers and managed to catch one of them. He was thrashed before being handed over to police. The remaining four escaped while firing. The mob also set ablaze a motorcycle left behind by the accused.Shop owner Tinku Sonar said, “Five accused arrived on two bikes and stormed the shop. At gunpoint, they looted around 300 grammes of gold, 9 kg of silver ornaments, and cash. Large stocks had been kept for the wedding season, which they targeted.”He said the crime appeared planned as the assailants directly took valuables. An FIR has been registered against five unidentified persons at Ziradei police station. According to reports, the gang fired around 10 rounds while fleeing.The incident triggered anger among local traders and villagers, who raised slogans against alleged police inaction. In protest, businessmen shut down shops in the market and demanded immediate arrest of all accused and enhanced security.Ziradei SHO Rahul Tiwari said, “One accused is in custody and is being questioned. Raids are underway to arrest the others and recover the stolen items.”Locals questioned police patrolling, noting that a police team was camping barely 500 metres from the crime scene. Traders said they feel unsafe and have demanded stronger security measures. “The accused is being interrogated to identify other gang members. Investigation and raids are going on,” the SHO added.
