Jeweller shot dead in crowded Chhattisgarh market, gold worth ₹50 lakh looted by bike-borne attackers

Rashmi Pandey — Wed, 27 May 2026 05:41:52 +0000

A shocking daylight-style murder at one of Chhattisgarh’s busiest weekly markets triggered panic and outrage on Wednesday after a 46-year-old jeweller was shot dead by unidentified bike-borne assailants who fled with a bag containing gold and silver ornaments worth lakhs of rupees.

The incident took place late Tuesday evening at the weekly market in Kotmi village in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district when jeweller Pradeep Soni was packing up after business hours, police officials said.

According to preliminary police investigations, three men arrived on a motorcycle and allegedly attempted to snatch a bag carrying jewellery and valuables from Soni. When the jeweller resisted the robbery attempt, the assailants opened fire in the middle of the crowded marketplace, causing panic among traders and customers.

Soni suffered critical bullet injuries during the attack. Local residents and traders rushed him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. The attackers escaped from the scene with the jewellery bag before police reached the spot.

Family members of the deceased claimed the stolen valuables included gold and silver ornaments worth nearly ₹50 lakh. Police have not officially confirmed the exact value of the looted items but said investigations are underway.

The killing sparked massive anger among local traders and residents in Pendra town. Market associations called for a bandh on Wednesday to protest the murder and rising concerns over law and order in the region. Several shops remained closed as traders demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and stronger security measures in market areas.

A large crowd gathered outside the district hospital where Soni’s body was kept. Family members reportedly refused to allow the post-mortem examination until the police assured swift action against the attackers. Senior police officials remained deployed in the area to control tensions and monitor the situation.

Police teams have launched a search operation and are scanning CCTV footage from nearby routes to identify the accused. Officials said multiple teams have been formed to trace the motorcycle used in the crime and investigate possible links to organised robbery gangs operating in the region.

The murder has once again highlighted growing concerns over attacks on jewellers and bullion traders across several states in recent months. Similar robbery-linked shootings targeting jewellery traders have recently been reported in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, raising alarm within the trading community over security vulnerabilities during transport of valuables.

Police officials said further details regarding the motive and identities of the attackers would emerge after the investigation progresses.

Pendra | Business Upturn

Jeweller shot dead in crowded Chhattisgarh market, gold worth ₹50 lakh looted by bike-borne attackers