Pagdha Murder: Jewellers Warn of Agitation Over Law and Order

The killing of a jeweller's son in Pagdha village has triggered anger among traders in Samastipur district. The Gold Traders Association has raised questions over police functioning and the overall law and order situation in the district.

The murder took place under the Dalsinghsarai police station area. Rakesh Kumar Poddar, son of Rajkumar Poddar of Pagdha village, was shot dead by bike-borne miscreants while returning home after shutting his shop on Monday.

According to the available details, the assailants first opened fire to create panic on the road. They then tried to loot Rakesh. When he opposed them, they fired repeatedly, and he died on the spot. The accused escaped from the scene on a motorcycle.

DSP Vivek Kumar Sharma of Dalsinghsarai visited the spot after the information was received and questioned the family of the deceased. Rural SP Mukul Ranjan, who was posted to the district for the first time in this role, also arrived at the scene on his first day.

Police have not yet confirmed the motive behind the murder. Acting on the orders of District SP Arvind Pratap Singh, a special team has been constituted to arrest the criminals. FSL and DIU technical teams are also assisting in the probe, and raids are being carried out to trace the absconding accused.

Meanwhile, the Gold Traders Association has warned that it will take to the streets and launch an agitation if the criminals are not arrested and the case is not solved soon.

The family of Rakesh is in deep grief, and a large number of villagers are visiting to console them. Citing tension in the area, the Rural SP has said that additional police personnel will be deployed if required.