Criminals lynched in Malda

Statesman News Service

MALDA, April 23: Two criminals were lynched by locals at a crowded place in English Bazaar town around 9.15 a.m. today. Police said the locals caught the criminals when they were trying to snatch a bag from a rice trader on NH-34 at English Bazaar this morning. One of the miscreants opened fire when the trader, Mr Gopinath Saha, tried to resist. Mr Saha, however, escaped unhurt. While two snatchers were trying to grab the bag from the trader, one of their partners was waiting on a two-wheeler alongside the highway. After Mr Saha shouted for help, locals rushed to the spot and caught the snatchers. The angry people then assaulted all the three snatchers. While two of the snatchers succumbed to their injuries on way to Malda district hospital, the third one was seriously injured. Police have seized the two-wheeler and started an investigation. Senior police officials said the snatchers were probably the members of a local criminal gang, either from Kaliachak or Sujapur. The Malda Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce has demanded a proper inquiry into the incident. According to them, Mr Saha was going to his rice shop at Netaji Market with Rs 12,000 in cash with him when the criminals attacked him. The Malda ASP, Mr S Sarkar, said efforts are on to identify the criminals.