A tragic incident unfolded on the Khalari-Patratu road near Keredari's Kole Railway Station on Sunday night, leaving a community in shock. A couple, identified as 26-year-old Manju Devi and her 30-year-old husband Vikas Prajapati, were brutally shot by criminals. Manju Devi succumbed to her injuries, while Vikas Prajapati remains in critical condition after the suspected robbery attempt. This horrific event has cast a shadow of fear over local residents and commuters.

What Happened?

The devastating attack occurred around 9:15 PM when Vikas Prajapati, a resident of Rai Basti in Khalari, was returning home with his wife Manju Devi. The couple was traveling on their motorcycle after purchasing supplies from Ramgarh for Vikas's tea stall, located near the Bachra SBI Bank. As they neared the Kole Railway Station, two criminals riding separate motorcycles reportedly overtook them.

Without warning, the assailants opened fire on the unsuspecting couple before fleeing the scene. Both Vikas and Manju fell from their bike, severely wounded. Local residents, alerted by the gunshots, rushed to their aid and immediately transported them to the Piparwar Regional Hospital. Upon arrival, doctors tragically declared Manju Devi dead. Vikas Prajapati, suffering from serious bullet wounds, was critically injured and subsequently referred to a specialized hospital in Ranchi for advanced medical treatment.

Following the incident, both Piparwar and Keredari police stations were alerted. Station In-charge Abhay Kumar from Piparwar Police and Sub-Inspector Ajay Kumar Ravidas from Keredari Police, along with armed forces, promptly arrived at the hospital. They began questioning the injured Vikas Prajapati to gather descriptions of the attackers and immediately launched a massive search operation. Police teams inspected the crime scene thoroughly and interviewed eyewitnesses and locals, but no concrete leads or arrests have been made so far. The initial investigation strongly suggests that the motive behind this brutal crime was a robbery.

Key Highlights

A couple was shot by criminals near Kole Railway Station on the Khalari-Patratu road on Sunday night.
Manju Devi, 26, tragically died from her bullet injuries at the scene.
Her husband, Vikas Prajapati, 30, sustained critical injuries and was referred to Ranchi for treatment.
The couple was returning home on their motorcycle after buying supplies for their tea shop in Bachra.
Police suspect the attack was a robbery attempt carried out by criminals on two motorcycles.
Local residents rushed the victims to Piparwar Regional Hospital after the shooting.
The incident has created an atmosphere of fear and calls for increased security among commuters and residents in the Khalari coal region.

Why Does This Matter?

This horrifying incident deeply affects the sense of safety and security for common people in the Khalari coal region and surrounding areas. It highlights the vulnerability of individuals simply going about their daily lives, like Vikas and Manju, who were targeted while returning from work. Such acts of violence instill fear among commuters, particularly those traveling on routes like the Khalari-Patratu and McCluskieganj-Patratu roads at night. It raises serious questions about public safety and the need for robust law enforcement presence to prevent future tragedies.

For small business owners and daily commuters, this incident is particularly distressing. It undermines their ability to conduct business and travel without the constant fear of becoming victims of crime. The community is now demanding that authorities strengthen night patrols and enhance security measures to ensure such incidents do not recur. This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining law and order, and the urgent need for justice to be served to restore public confidence and peace of mind in the affected regions.