UditVani,Jamshedpur : Panic gripped Bagbera’s Gandhi Nagar on Wednesday evening after a dramatic gang-related shootout.
Popo Munda, a notorious shooter of the liquor mafia gang led by Ranjit-Sanjit Sahu, was attacked outside his residence.
The incident took place around 7 PM . According to police and local sources, when someone knocked at the door, a woman came out.
At that moment, Popo arrived at the gate. Suddenly, a youth named Badal allegedly pushed the woman aside and fired two rounds at Popo — one bullet hit his private part while another grazed his waist.
The injured gangster was rushed to Tata Main Hospital (TMH), where he is currently undergoing treatment. Police recovered an empty cartridge from the spot. The eyewitness woman identified the assailant as Badal, who fled immediately after the firing.
Linked to Illegal Cannabis Trade
Initial investigations suggest the attack is linked to the illegal cannabis business flourishing in Sanjay Nagar, Bagbera.
Popo had reportedly entered the trade just 10 days ago by joining hands with Radhe Yadav.
Earlier, the business was controlled by Bablu Singh, who was severely injured in a past gang attack and later died of illness. After his death, his brother Ramesh Singh took over, running the trade with Radhe Yadav, earning ₹80,000–₹1 lakh daily.
Later, Radhe split from Ramesh and began his own supply with new financiers. He then brought Popo into the business, intensifying rivalry with Ramesh, for whom Popo was already an enemy. Ramesh’s associate Badal has now emerged as the prime suspect in the shooting.
Police Probe Continues
Police suspect the firing is a fallout of this turf war, but they are also examining whether the shot was accidental while handling the pistol or if Popo staged the incident to implicate rivals.
Popo already faces multiple cases of murder and firing and has long been active under the protection of Ranjit, Sanjit, and Ajit Sahu.
Locals Raise Alarm
Residents allege that Bagbera has become a hub of organized crime — from illegal lottery, gambling, liquor, and cannabis to brown sugar trade — thriving under police patronage. They warned that if the administration fails to act decisively, they will launch a mass movement demanding a crime-free Bagbera.
Key hotspots of illegal activities include: Gudri Market, DB Road, Matladih, Bikhari Maidan, Kitadih, Jugslai Babakuti, Singh Hotel backside, Gandhi Nagar, Ramnagar, Worlesh Maidan, Sidhu Kanhu Maidan, Kalimandir, and Naya Basti.
