Khargone Trader's House Targeted in Gunfire Attack, Rs 10 Crore Ransom Demanded
In a shocking incident in Khargone district, Madhya Pradesh, gunshots were fired at the residence of a local trader, followed by a ransom demand of Rs 10 crore and claims of connections to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang through a social media post, as confirmed by police on Thursday. The attack has sent ripples of fear through the community, highlighting escalating criminal activities in the region.
Incident Details and Police Investigation
The violent episode unfolded on Monday night at Bhilgaon village, located under the Kasrawad police station jurisdiction, approximately 50 kilometers from the district headquarters. At the time of the attack, the trader, Dilip Rathore, and his family were away in Indore, prompting authorities to deploy security measures at the property to prevent further threats.
District Superintendent of Police Ravindra Verma stated that a formal case was registered on Wednesday based on a complaint filed by Rathore's son, Satyendra. Verma acknowledged the firing incident and emphasized that all possible angles are being thoroughly investigated to identify the perpetrators and their motives.
Threats and Social Media Claims
According to the official complaint, Satyendra and his father received a series of menacing threats via WhatsApp calls and voice messages from unidentified individuals shortly after the attack. The accused allegedly sent a video capturing the firing incident and demanded the hefty ransom of Rs 10 crore, warning that the house would be destroyed if the payment was not made promptly.
On Tuesday, a voice call reportedly threatened to eliminate the entire family and claimed responsibility for the gunfire that occurred the previous night. Police revealed that multiple calls from foreign numbers were also received on Wednesday, but the family wisely refrained from responding to them, cooperating with law enforcement instead.
After viewing the threatening video, the family reviewed CCTV footage, which clearly showed three masked men arriving on a motorcycle and opening fire at the house, providing crucial evidence for the ongoing probe.
Gang Links and Ongoing Probe
In a disturbing development, a social media post by individuals identifying themselves as "Harry Boxer" and "Arju Bishnoi" claimed responsibility for the attack and alleged ties to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's crime network. The post also issued fresh threats to the trader's family, escalating concerns about organized crime involvement.
Police authorities are actively verifying the authenticity of these claims and are also investigating potential connections with a similar threat reported recently in Ashok Nagar district, suggesting a broader pattern of criminal intimidation in the area.
Family's Response and Safety Concerns
Dilip Rathore, currently out of station, expressed that his family members are deeply frightened by the incident and have declined to comment further, prioritizing their safety and privacy. The case underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and swift police action to combat such brazen acts of violence and extortion in Madhya Pradesh.
