Egra: A late-night heist attempt in Chatla village in Egra under east Midnapore district sparked high drama on Thursday after a gold merchant, despite being seriously injured, managed to alert locals who cornered the suspects and handed them over to police.
Jishu Kamilya, owner of Giribala Jewellers in Chatla Market, was returning home after closing his shop. A gang lying in wait on a deserted stretch intercepted him, allegedly brandishing firearms and bhojalis (cleavers). When Kamilya resisted, one assailant hacked him with a cleaver. Despite bleeding heavily, he used his mobile phone to alert fellow traders, who quickly mobilised villagers and blocked the escape routes. The suspects were overpowered and confined by locals before police arrived.