In a daring broad daylight robbery in the Capital’s trans-Yamuna area, a gang of armed assailants opened indiscriminate fire at two businessmen brothers in Yamuna Vihar on Monday before making off with Rs.20 lakh in cash. The police have seized seven empty cartridges and three firearms from the spot.
The victims -- Pankaj (39) and Dinesh (32) -- sustained multiple bullet injuries and have been admitted to Guru Tegh Bahadur (GTB) Hospital. Dinesh, who was hit in the neck, stomach, back and shoulder, is said to be in a critical condition. Pankaj escaped with injuries in the hip and shoulder.
Pankaj and Dinesh were on their way to the Bank of Baroda on main Wazirabad Road in Khajoori Khas on their motorcycle around noon carrying Rs.26 lakh in two bags and had reached the Bhajanpura traffic signal when they realised that they were being trailed by a trio riding a motorcycle. Sensing trouble, the duo decided to take a U-turn to their house.
The two had barely travelled a few metres when the assailants opened indiscriminate fire at them near Mohan Nursing Home in “B” Block of Yamuna Vihar. The duo fell on the road and the robbers drove away towards Gokalpuri with the two bags containing cash. One of the bags, containing Rs.6 lakh, was later found lying at “C” Block T-point.
Hearing the gunshots, locals and passers-by gathered at the spot and called up the Police Control Room. The injured businessmen brothers were rushed to Mohan Nursing Home by a local in an auto-rickshaw and were later referred to the GTB Hospital.
The police suspect the robbers had a tip-off. “Intensive search operations are being carried in the area and we hope to catch the assailants soon,” said Additional Commissioner of Police (North-East) V.V. Chaudhary.
A case has been registered at the Bhajanpur police station in this connection.
Pankaj and Dinesh are dealers of Vodafone and are also in the business of confectionary and stationery.
