Dhaba robbery: Four criminals loot cash, phones at gunpoint

Chowka: The Chowka dhaba robbery took place late on Thursday night when four criminals posing as customers allegedly looted around Rs 7,000 in cash and two mobile phones at gunpoint from Mount Ten View Dhaba and Restaurant in Ghatdulmi on the Chowka-Kandra main road in Seraikela-Kharsawan district. The men fled towards Chowka after the incident.\n\nAccording to information, the four youths arrived at the dhaba on two motorcycles late in the evening. One motorcycle was reportedly an R-15 and the other a Splendor. The four ordered fish and rice and, after eating, went to the counter to pay the bill. One of them suddenly pulled out a pistol. Dhaba operator Prakash Mahto showed courage and tried to resist by grabbing the hand of the armed man. The criminals then became aggressive, and another attacker struck Mahto on the head with a hammer, injuring him. The attackers subsequently took around Rs 7,000 kept at the counter and also took the mobile phones of Mahto and an employee. While the pistol was being taken out, one live round fell to the ground. The criminals left the bullet at the scene before fleeing. Chowka police reached the spot after receiving information about the incident and inspected the scene. Police recovered one live round from the site. Officers are examining CCTV footage from nearby cameras to identify the suspects. Station in-charge Gaurav Kumar said raids were being conducted at possible hideouts to arrest the criminals. The series of criminal incidents has caused concern among business owners in the Chowka area. A few days ago, an attempt was made to rob a government liquor shop at Bansa. That same night, around Rs 25,000 was reportedly looted from Madhuri Petrol Pump in Urmal. In another incident, Chowka police also seized a car allegedly left behind by criminals in connection with a theft case in Urmal village. Business owners have urged the police administration to increase night patrolling and take effective measures to curb criminal activity