A shop keeper was stabbed in Kutubuddintola area in Malda on Saturday night, after he protested against the consumption of alcohol by a local extortionist in public.
Rabiul Shekh, a 55-year-old man, was admitted to Malda Medical College and Hospital in a critical condition. The assailant stabbed his back repeatedly until local residents came to his rescue. The accused, identified as Raju Shekh, fled from the spot. Police started an investigation on the basis of the complaint lodged by the son of the victim. But the accused is still at large.
On Saturday night, Rabiul was returning home when the assailant attacked him. Raju came from behind and stabbed him. "The assailant stabbed at least six to seven times. He soon disappeared while some local youth rushed to rescue him," informed onlookers.
Alenur Biwi, wife of the victim alleged that Raju Shekh used to take stationery goods from his husband shop. But he never paid for the items taken.
Raju was drinking openly sitting in front of the shop on Saturday morning. "My husband initially demanded the dues and later asked that drunken man to go away from the shop. This thing might have irked him as he took his revenge at night," Alenur alleged.
"Raju took various items from our shop. His due was around Rs 1,000. He threatened my husband while he was asked to pay the due. He even started drinking alcohol in front of the shop," Alenur further alleged.
The investigators learnt that Raju extorted money from various shopkeepers in the area. He took items from the stationery shops brandishing his gun. Local shopkeepers were scared of him and his activities.
The son of Rabiul and Alenur is a Higher Secondary examination candidate this year. "It was difficult for me to concentrate in my studies. I told my father about it and now, I am repentant to see him in the hospital," said the Higher Secondary candidate.