Latehar police step up hunt for Rahul Dubey gang after colliery shootout
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Daltonganj, September 4: Latehar police have intensified their hunt for members of the Rahul Dubey gang following a…
Magadh Colliery in Latehar district, where a computer operator was injured in a shooting incident on Thursday night.
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, September 4: Latehar police have intensified their hunt for members of the Rahul Dubey gang following a late-night shooting at the Magadh Colliery in Balumath in which a 33-year-old computer operator was injured.
The incident took place around 1 am on Thursday near Weigh Bridge No. 22 of the Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) unit under Balumath police station limits.
The injured employee has been identified as Arun Oraon. He sustained a gunshot wound below his left knee and was initially taken to the Community Health Centre in Balumath. After preliminary treatment to control bleeding, he was referred to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi. Police said he is out of danger and recovering.
Gunmen fire in air to spread terror
According to police, three armed men believed to be associated with the Rahul Dubey gang opened fire at Oraon and also fired several rounds into the air, apparently to create panic at the colliery premises.
The assailants allegedly left behind handwritten notes warning the company engaged in mining operations at Magadh Colliery to enter into a “settlement” before starting any work.
The notes reportedly warned that a bullet would not distinguish between a computer operator, driver or company owner.
Latehar SP Kumar Gaurav confirmed the incident and said the police had identified the Rahul Dubey gang as being behind the attack.
“It is Rahul Dubey’s handiwork. Police will soon give them a salutary lesson,” the SP said.
He added that the company had not informed the local police about any recent threat or impending danger and that the attack appeared to have been carried out suddenly.
ALSO READ: Palamu police step up hunt for assailants in Hussainabad murder
Police examine gang rivalry angle
Police sources said the attack was part of an attempt by the Rahul Dubey gang to establish its influence in the area.
Investigators are also examining the activities of rival criminal groups operating in Latehar following the weakening of the JJMP and the killing of gangster Aman Sahu.
Police believe criminal groups may be attempting to exploit the space created by the decline of organised extremist activity in parts of the district.
Officials are now examining the circumstances leading to the attack, the gang’s possible extortion or settlement demands and the identities of the three armed assailants.
The investigation is continuing.
