HP: Two bike borne assailants open fire at dhaba owner in Mandi; flee with cash, TV
Mandi/Shimla (PTI): Two bike borne assailants opened fire at a dhaba owner in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district when he caught them stealing cash from the counter, police said on Saturday.
The incident took place on Friday night when the two arrived at the eatery and placed an order for a packed meal. While the owner, Pradeep Guleria, from Dayari Tilli, was preparing the food, he noticed them attempting to steal cash from the counter, they said.
Based on the complaint lodged by Guleria, when he confronted them, they opened fire, injuring him and fled the scene with the cash and an LED TV, police said.
The injured is undergoing treatment at a medical college in Nerchowk, they added.
A case has been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 109 (attempt to murder), 307 (theft), 3(5) (joint criminal liability) and section 25 of the Arms Act in Sadar police station here and a special investigation team led by Additional Superintendent of Police has been formed, they said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the rider was wearing a white cap while the pillion rider was in a black helmet. A manhunt has been launched to nab the the accused who are still at large, a police officer said.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur spoke to the injured dhaba owner, who is also his classmate and assured him that the issue would be raised in the Vidhan Sabha.
In a video released here on Saturday, Thakur said that there is no law and order in the state and the firing incident at the residence of a former Congress MLA is a glaring example.
He further said that the youth in Punjab are creating chaos in the Himachal Pradesh, as seven vehicles from the state have been vandalized in Punjab.
This is the second firing incident in the state within a week. Earlier, former Congress MLA Bamber Thakur was attacked by four assailants at his wife's government residence, when he was sitting in the courtyard during Holi celebrations.
Thakur had suffered a bullet injury to his leg while his personal security officer Sanjeev Kumar had sustained multiple bullet injuries.
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Minister Madhu Bangarappa invites JDS MLA to join Congress during public event
Shivamogga: Shivamogga District In-charge Minister Madhu Bangarappa performed a Gudali Puja on Sunday for the development of Barehalla and Hi Hole Dams in the taluk, along with road development work in Puradalu village.
At the program, Madhu Bangarappa extended an invitation to JDS MLA Sharada Pooryanayaka to join the Congress party, using an English proverb to make his point.
"Sharada Pooryanayaka loves me very much. But when elections come, it becomes very difficult. Now we have power. That is why I am calling her to join our party. Our father always said that when it is hot, we should dry the grass. Now that it is hot, my sister should make a decision," he said, extending an open offer to the JDS leader.
Bangarappa emphasized that providing facilities for the Sharavati flood victims is the government's duty. He noted that the dam built for these victims in Puradalu village was damaged due to excessive rainfall. To address this, he announced the launch of development work worth Rs. 3 crore, fulfilling his previous promises.
He stated that while the government is allocating funds for guaranteed schemes, it is also ensuring grants for developmental projects. "As a minister, I am responsible for providing quality education to children. I am working with great emphasis on education. Since the education department is vast, everyone is cooperating," he said.
The minister urged parents to ensure their children's education is not disrupted due to frequent holidays. He also mentioned that a facial attendance system is being considered to monitor school attendance more effectively.
Instead of focusing on building large temples in villages, he stressed the importance of constructing bigger schools, stating that "If schools are built big, God will bless them."
MLA Sharada Pooryanayaka stated that priority is being given to the development of villages in the Sharavati floodplain area. She also acknowledged the efforts of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and thanked District In-charge Minister Madhu Bangarappa for securing funds for the Barehalla and Hi Hole Dam development.
Puradalu Gram Panchayat Vice President H.S. Pradeep delivered the introductory remarks.
The event was attended by Congress District President R. Prasanna Kumar, State Bhovi Development Corporation President S. Ravikumar, Guarantee Schemes Authority District President Chandrabhupal, and Congress leaders Kalgodu Ratnakar, G.D. Manjunath, Dr. Srinivas Karianna, Y.H. Nagaraj, as well as Puradalu and Agasavalli Gram Panchayat Presidents and members.
