Increasing attacks on bizmen a worry, says trade body

Ranchi: The Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) on Saturday expressed grave concern over frequent attacks on businessmen in the state and warned of taking to the streets in protest if the situation doesn't improve.

In a joint media address, FJCCI officials demanded the revival of the Police and Chambers Together (PACT) Committee to facilitate dialogues between traders and the law enforcement agency regarding security concerns. They also advocated for creating commissioner posts in major cities like Ranchi, Jamshedpur and Dhanbad, emphasising the need for clear accountability in crime cases.

The FJCCI's concerns followed the recent attacks on traders, including the shooting of Sanjay Burman in Seraikela Kharsawan district, and Basant Kumar, a jeweler, in Ratu area of the city on Friday, along with an armed robbery on Kanke road in Ranchi district on Tuesday.

FJCCI general secretary Aditya Malhotra criticised police inaction in such criminal cases, claiming that perpetrators operate freely despite police patrols. He warned of statewide protests if the govt fails to implement effective crime-control measures.

The chamber's treasurer, Rohit Agarwal, highlighted the irony of chief minister Hemant Soren's European investment drive while local industrialists face security challenges. He proposed establishing coordination committees between police and traders at both police station and district levels.

Joint secretary of the trade body, Navjot Alang, pointed out numerous serious incidents in March and April, calling for arms licenses for self-protection of the traders.

FJCCI vice president Jyoti Kumari emphasised that crime prevention should transcend political affiliations. Other members warned that the deteriorating law and order could trigger business migration to other states.

The FJCCI has also sought a meeting with DGP Anurag Gupta to address these concerns.

Jamshedpur: In a separate incident in Mango's Olidih area, 27-year-old Nanku Lal was found dead in a field at Kharia basti. His body, discovered in the early hours, bore gunshot wounds. The victim had last been seen attending a wedding reception on Saturday evening.

Rakesh, the deceased's brother, has implicated three local youth in the murder, citing an existing rivalry as the motive. "We received information about our brother's murder in the early hours," he stated, leaving further investigation to the police.

Olidih police station in-charge Kumar Abhishek confirmed that three suspects have been detained for questioning. "The investigation is in progress, and details will be disclosed once the probe is complete," he said.