HT Correspondent
MANGALDAI, Dec 2: A long-standing monetary dispute between two friends took a violent turn on Monday night when a jeweller allegedly shot his lender three times inside his shop at Kharupetia town in Darrang district.
The victim, Abhijit Saha alias Munna Saha of Gopal Nagar had reportedly lent Rs 2 lakh on interest to Ananta Biswas of Sonarupatti, owner of Maa Pramila Jewellery, nearly a year ago. Sources said Ananta had already repaid Rs 1 lakh with interest, but Munna had been repeatedly demanding the remaining amount along with further interest, allegedly issuing threats in recent weeks.
Related Posts:
According to locals, Munna visited Ananta’s jewellery shop near NH-15 around 9 PM on Monday. The two men reportedly consumed alcohol together before the argument intensified. Munna allegedly demanded immediate repayment and brandished a pistol to threaten Ananta. A scuffle followed, during which Ananta is believed to have snatched the weapon and fired three shots. While two bullets caused minor wounds, the third struck Munna in the chest and lodged near his spine.
Residents rushed the critically injured Munna to Mangaldai Civil Hospital from where he was shifted to a private hospital in Guwahati. He remains in the ICU.
Kharupetia Police detained Ananta Biswas soon after the incident and recovered a pistol along with two live rounds from the shop. However, in an official statement, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Rosie Talukdar said initial findings suggest Munna may have accidentally shot himself with his own pistol during the altercation. “Both parties had a monetary transaction and a heated argument ensued. We are investigating how the victim came to possess the illegal firearm and all other angles,” she said.
Residents described Munna Saha as domineering and claimed he had been pressuring Ananta for months over the loan. They expressed disbelief that Ananta, known locally as a quiet and soft-spoken jeweller, could be involved in such a violent confrontation.
The incident has renewed concerns about rising anti-social activities along Gopal Nagar Road near Shiv Mandir on NH-15, an area locals claim has become a hub for drugs, gambling and late-night drinking.
Police have registered a case, and further investigation is underway.
