A Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 14
A woman was shot dead this evening in Dimapur by unidentified gunmen. Sources said the deceased has been identified as one Ritika Mehta (45 years), proprietor of Apna Hotel located at Nyamo Lotha Road. The sources said that the gunmen came to her place and shot her at around 6:15 pm. She was rushed to Nikos Hospital but she succumbed. Specific reason for the killing was not known. However, it was suspected that the incident could be related to property dispute.
Meanwhile, Dimapur police said that at around 6: 20 pm RitikaMetha w/o Arun Metha, proprietor of Apna Hotel located at NL Road, Dimapur was shot by unidentified miscreants inside the establishment. She later succumbed to injury caused by a single bullet wound that entered through her jaw and exited from the neck, the police added.
According to a press note of the police, the victim who was behind the counter was reportedly shot at point blank after which, the miscreants fled the scene. She was evacuated to Nikos Hospital but was again referred to Zion Hospital where, she was declared brought dead.
“Because of certain security concerns, a bodyguard was detailed for her protection round the clock since last few months. At the time of the incident, it was reported the bodyguard was inside the establishment but was unarmed as per the directions of the protectee. Immediately after the incident, the staffs and the bodyguard rushed out to chase the miscreants but lost them among the crowd,” the police.
According to the police, enquiry is on to find out if there were any lapses on the part of the bodyguard and action deem fit to be initiated. Meanwhile, a case is registered at the East Police Station, Dimapur. A fired case of a .32 round was seized from the scene of the crime along with other crucial evidences. Investigation is on keeping all options open, the police added.
Meanwhile, the business community led by DCCI has decided to close down shutters in Dimapur district from 8 am to12 noon on December 15, to express its outrage and condemnation; and at the same time to show its respect for the departed soul. However, both the Nagaland Hotels and Restaurants Association and Nyamo Lotha Road Business Association shall enforce voluntary bandh the whole day.
Taking into consideration the festive season, the DCCI has abstained from downing shutters for the whole day.
The Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA) has also condemned the killing of Ritika Mehta, proprietor of Apna Hotel Dimapur in the strongest term by unidentified miscreants on December 14.
In protest against the killing of Ritika Mehta and expressing solidarity with the victim, the NMDA has also decided to close down all pharmacies in Dimapur on December 15 from 8 am to 12 noon.
Meanwhile, the Nyamo Lotha Road Business Association said it was utterly shocked at the killing of Ritika Mehta, owner of Apna Hotel who was shot dead inside her hotel at around on Monday by two unidentified gunmen. “We condemn the killing in the strongest possible terms and appeal the law enforcing agencies to nab criminals at the earliest and take necessary steps to award them befitting punishment as per the law of the land.”
In protest against the killing, the NLRBA has called for closure of all business establishments within its jurisdiction for the whole day on Tuesday, December 15. “We appeal the public to kindly bear with the consequences”.
