Angul: Normal life was hit across the Athamallik block in this district Friday following a 12-hour dawn-to-dusk bandh called by the local traders demanding safety and security for merchants in the area. Loot of money from a merchant a day ago was the immediate provocation.
All shops and business establishments remained shut during the bandh that started at 6 in the morning. The agitating traders held protest meetings in the market and blocked roads by burning tyres.
The loot took place in the local market Thursday in which an unidentified gang snatched away a cash bag carrying over Rs 10lakh from trader Mahesh Aggarwal. He had just arrived at his cement sales store when the group of four bike-borne youths went in and snatched his cash bag at gun point.
The traders demanded immediate arrest of the gangsters and round-the-clock police patrolling in the market area. An investigation was under way but no arrest has been made.
PNN
