Daijiworld Media Network - Ranchi

Ranchi, Apr 18: In a fresh wave of violence targeting the business community in Jharkhand, a jeweller was shot and injured in broad daylight in Ranchi on Friday. The incident occurred in Chatakpur Market, under the jurisdiction of Ratu Police Station, sparking renewed concerns over deteriorating law and order in the capital city.

The victim, Basant Kumar, owner of Akash Jewellers, was inside his shop when two unidentified men on a motorcycle stormed in. Without much warning, they pulled out a weapon and fired at him. Eyewitnesses said the sound of the gunshot sent nearby shopkeepers and pedestrians into panic, with some rushing to the jeweller’s aid while others attempted to chase the assailants, who managed to flee.

Basant Kumar sustained a bullet wound to his shoulder and was rushed to City Hospital, where doctors have confirmed that he is out of danger.

In his statement from the hospital, Basant recounted the harrowing moment:

“I was alone when the two men came in. One pointed a revolver at me and demanded I open the safe. When I refused, he shot at me. I tried to duck, but the bullet hit my upper shoulder.”

Responding swiftly to the incident, Ratu Police Station in-charge Ramnarayan reached the spot with his team and launched an investigation. “Raids are currently underway to track down the culprits,” he said.

At this point, police are still trying to determine whether the shooting was part of a robbery attempt or if it was motivated by personal enmity. CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts are being analyzed.

This is not an isolated case. The city has seen a series of attacks on local businessmen in recent weeks. Just 20 days ago, Bhupal Sahu, a shoe shop owner near Ravi Steel in the Pandra area, was gunned down inside his store by two men posing as customers. One of the suspects in that case has since been arrested.

Even more alarming was the broad daylight murder of BJP leader Anil Tiger at Kanke Chowk, a brazen act that drew sharp public criticism and highlighted growing fears about safety in Ranchi.

With three major shootings in such a short span, pressure is mounting on law enforcement to curb the spike in violent crimes and restore public confidence, especially within the business community, which now finds itself increasingly vulnerable.