Panic gripped the Rajivpur area of Ashoknagar in North 24 Parganas after a grocery merchant was shot at following a daring robbery on Monday night. The victim, Rakesh Mondal (36), was returning home on a bike during a storm when four masked miscreants intercepted him just 100 meters from his house.

At gunpoint, the gang snatched Rakesh’s gold chain and locket. Showing immense courage, Rakesh and his companion chased the robbers as they tried to flee. Sensing trouble, one of the miscreants fired a round at Rakesh, which narrowly missed and hit a nearby tree. Despite the gunshot, the duo chased the gang for several kilometers before the criminals managed to escape. A large police contingent from Ashoknagar Police Station rushed to the spot and has launched an extensive manhunt to nab the culprits.