Sonepur: Armed robbers looted cash to the tune of Rs 1.5 lakh after mounting a murderous attack on the owner of a kiosk banking facility in Dharmashala area of Odisha’s Sonepur district in the early hours of Wednesday.
As per preliminary information, the incident took place at the kiosk located near Lehedi village under the jurisdiction of Hikudi police outpost in the wee hours.
Sources said a group of unidentified masked robbers struck at the kiosk and demanded cash from the owner after brandishing firearms.
When the owner, identified as Nilambar Mahapatra, resisted the loot attempt, the burglars attacked him and reportedly hit his head repeatedly with the firearms. The robbers opened fire in the air before fleeing with over Rs 1.5 lakh cash and other valuables.
Locals later rescued the owner and got him admitted to the hospital in critical condition. The victim said the robbers looted money from three vending machines and also snatched his mobile phone.
On being informed, a police team visited the spot and recovered a firearm and some bullets from the crime scene. Investigation is underway.
