Lucknow: A jeweller was shot and robbed by bike-borne miscreants in a late Sunday attack near Phoolpur village under Chhapiya police station limits in Gonda, triggering panic in the area and a massive police search to trace the accused.The victim, Samar Kasaundhan, a resident of Babhnan in neighbouring Basti district, runs a jewellery shop at Sisai Ranipur Chauraha. Police said he was returning home on his motorcycle after closing his shop when two unidentified assailants, who were allegedly trailing him, intercepted him near a canal bridge close to Phoolpur.Officials said the attackers forcibly stopped him by snatching the ignition key and assaulted him with the butt of a country-made pistol. They attempted to loot a bag containing gold and silver ornaments. When Kasaundhan resisted, one of the assailants opened fire, hitting him in the left arm before fleeing with the bag.Local residents rushed to his aid and initially took him to the community health centre in Chhapiya. He was later referred to a medical college in Ayodhya, where doctors removed the bullet after surgery. His condition is stated to be stable.Following the incident, police have registered a case against unknown persons on the complaint of the victim’s brother under serious charges, including attempt to murder and robbery.Gonda SP, Vineet Jaiswal has constituted five teams, including SOG and surveillance units, to crack the case. CCTV footage from Phoolpur to Sisai Ranipur is being analysed, with officials claiming to have obtained crucial leads.Police have also deployed force at the victim’s residence amid heightened tension, while search operations are underway to apprehend the accused.
