SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, January 1: Indiscriminate firing over an alleged money transaction linked to illegal coal operations created panic in the Khudia Kalimat area under Nirsa police station in Dhanbad district on Thursday afternoon.
The incident occurred between 12.30 pm and 1.00 pm, around 36 km from the district headquarters, when residents were engaged in New Year celebrations. According to eyewitnesses, around six armed criminals entered the village and opened indiscriminate firing to create fear among locals.
Police later recovered six empty cartridges from the spot. No injuries were reported in the incident. A police investigation has been launched, though no arrests had been made till evening.
Villagers said the criminals fired six to eight rounds, triggering chaos and forcing people to rush indoors. The firing was reportedly linked to a financial dispute, where a resident had allegedly given a large sum of money to illegal coal operators. When the money was not returned, the operators’ associates allegedly resorted to firing to pressurise the victim for repayment.
After receiving information, Nirsa police station officer-in-charge Anil Kumar Sharma reached the spot and confirmed the recovery of cartridges. He said that an investigation is underway and further details will be shared after completing the probe.
However, villagers alleged that despite giving timely information, the police arrived at the scene nearly an hour later, by which time all the accused had fled the area.
The incident has once again raised concerns over law and order and the influence of illegal coal trade in parts of Dhanbad district.
