Patna, Oct 8 — A gold merchant was allegedly shot at and robbed by bike-borne men in Bihar's East Champaran district, triggering panic among local traders, police said on Thursday.
The incident took place near Basghat under the Chakia police station area on Wednesday night.
The injured merchant, identified as 28-year-old Sujit Kumar, the son of Awadh Kishore Sah and a resident of Basghat, was allegedly intercepted while returning home after closing his shop.
The attackers allegedly took away a bag containing gold and silver jewellery after firing at him.
Kumar was rushed to Rahmaniya Hospital in Motihari, where he is undergoing treatment.
According to preliminary information, the attackers intercepted Kumar and allegedly fired shots before threatening him and demanding the jewellery bag.
The bag reportedly contained around 300 grams of gold jewellery and four kg of silver jewellery.
Kumar told police that he was returning home when the men intercepted him.
He said they initially fired shots into the air before allegedly pointing a firearm at him and demanding the bag.
According to Kumar, his father witnessed the incident and raised an alarm.
The attackers allegedly shot him before fleeing with the jewellery.
Chakia Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shailendra Kumar said police received information about the shooting and robbery and immediately reached the spot.
"The injured merchant has been admitted to the hospital for treatment. The police are examining CCTV footage from the vicinity and making efforts to identify the perpetrators. The criminals involved in the incident will be arrested soon," the DSP added.
East Champaran Police are examining the CCTV footage and other evidence to establish the number of people involved, identify the suspects and determine the route taken by them after the incident.
The incident has raised concerns among local gold traders, while police have intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those involved.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
An FIR has been registered against two robbers on the statement given by the victim and his father in Chakia police station.