Business Woman Shot Dead in Dimapur

December 15: A businesswoman was killed in an audacious shooting in Nagaland on December 14. The victim, Ritika Mehta (47 years), proprietor of Apna Hotel located at Nyamo Lotha Road, Dimapur was at the hotel when she was shot point blank by unidentified gunmen at around 6:20 pm.

She later succumbed in the hospital to injury caused by a single bullet wound that entered through her jaw and exited from the neck. Just a month ago, on November 13, the victim had survived an assassination bid after which armed police security was detailed for her protection. In the previous attempt, the gunman escaped after the firearm misfired.

On December 14, her personal security officer was in civvies and unarmed. According to the police, the victim had reportedly requested the PSO not to carry any weapon and to wear civilian clothing within the hotel premises. “Immediately after the incident, the staffs and the bodyguard rushed out to chase the miscreants but lost them among the crowd,” the PRO of the Dimapur police stated.

The police recovered one empty shell of .32 calibre and “other crucial evidences” from the site. The bullet entered through her jaw and exited from the neck. Without disclosing the motive behind the assassination, the PRO stated, “Investigation is on keeping all options open.” The PRO further stated that enquiry is on to find out if there were any lapses on the part of the bodyguard. The case was registered at East Police Station.

Expressing Outrage, Business Community to Down Shutters: Expressing its outrage at the “shooting and brutal” murder of Ritika Mehta, proprietor of Apna Hotel, the business community led by DCCI has decided to close down shutters in Dimapur district from 8 am to 12 noon on December 15. Taking into consideration the festive season, DCCI has abstained from downing shutters for the whole day, said a press note from Dimapur Chambers of Commerce & Industry President Hokivi Chishi adding that the bandh was impose 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, it informed.

Meanwhile, the Nyamo Lotha Road Business Association has condemned the killing in “strongest possible terms.” It appealed law enforcing agencies to nab the criminals at the earliest and take necessary steps to award them befitting punishment. A press note from NLRBA General Secretary further stated that it has called for closure of all business establishments within its jurisdiction for the whole day on December 15.

The Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA) also condemned the killing and informed that the NMDA has decided to close down all Pharmacies in Dimapur on December 15 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon in protest.

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