Bandh in Dhurwa over firing incident, police set up SIT

Ranchi: Shopkeepers downed their shutters on Monday to protest the firing on former ward councillor Ved Prakash Singh under Dhurwa police station area on Sunday evening even as police formed a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate the case.
Ved Prakash was sitting at a tea shop in Dhurwa when criminals shot at him from behind. He sustained a bullet injury on his neck and was rushed to a local hospital in a critical condition.Locals gathered at the hospital in large number and shouted slogans against the administration. They also burnt tyres on road as a mark of protest against the incident.
BJP leaders visited the hospital on Sunday. Leader of Opposition Amar Bauri raised the issue during the debate on vote of confidence in the state assembly on Monday.
Markets in Dhurwa area including Durwa Bus Stand , JP Market and other areas of Heavy Engineering Corporation remained closed on Monday to protest against the incident.
Shopkeeper Niraj said, “The bandh was spontaneous. Ved Prakash used to support us whenever needed. Now, it is our turn to support him.” Another shopkeeper Pramod Singh said, “The shooting incident occurred at a place where hundreds of people were present till late evening. It shows that the criminals are fearless.”
Police on Monday said a SIT headed by Hatia Dy SP Pramod Kumar Mishra has been formed to investigate the case. Police have questioned several persons regarding the incident but has not arrested anyone so far.
SP Raj Kumar Mehta said, “Police are investigating the case from various angles. Those who had enmity with Ved Prakash are under the scanner. His family members have been asked to file a written compliant in this regard.”
Meanwhile, Ved Prakash is said to be in a critical condition on Monday. “Doctors have performed a surgery to remove the bullet from his neck. He was under ventilators,” said hospital officials.