Armed Robbers on Motorbikes Loot Grocer in Muzaffarpur, Fire Shots During Heist

A shocking daylight robbery took place near the Ramchandra Petrol Pump in the Maniyari police station area of Muzaffarpur, when six armed criminals riding on four motorcycles stormed into Lakshmi Traders, a store dealing in grains and groceries. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening around 7:30-8:00 PM.

According to eyewitnesses and the victim, Manoj Kumar, the masked robbers entered the shop with guns drawn, threatening everyone inside. When Kumar and his staff resisted, the criminals fired a shot inside the shop to intimidate them. A used bullet cartridge was later recovered from the scene.

The assailants then forced the shopkeeper and others inside to remain quiet, looted approximately ₹1.5 lakh in cash, and locked the victims in the store before fleeing the scene. The entire episode left the local community in shock.

As soon as the information about the incident spread, it triggered panic in the area. SDPO Two, Namesh Chandra Gyani, and Maniyari Police Station chief Devvrat Kumar arrived at the scene, began an investigation, and started reviewing nearby CCTV footage to identify the culprits. A formal complaint has been lodged by the victims.

Local councillor Sushil Kumar and other shopkeepers expressed grave concern, stating such robberies are happening frequently in Kudni, causing fear among the business community. Despite the proximity of police stations in the area, criminals continue to operate with impunity. They demanded stricter patrolling, the installation of more CCTV cameras at critical locations, and even the establishment of a new police outpost in vulnerable areas.

Sushil Kumar said, “Recently, a grocery store in Turki was looted, and just days before, a jeweller’s shop was targeted as well. If the current law and order situation persists, traders will begin leaving the area for safer locations, despite there being local ministers and elected representatives.”

Manoj Kumar echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the lack of adequate security even though some CCTV cameras exist, but their coverage is insufficient. Shopkeepers are calling on authorities to increase security funding and camera coverage, especially in busy market areas, to discourage further crimes.

The police continue their investigation, and no arrests have been made so far. The incident once again underscores the urgent need for improved safety for local businesses in Muzaffarpur and across the region.