Two Hindu traders killed in Mithi robbery attempt

KARACHI: Gloom enveloped the entire Thar following the killing of two real brothers in a robbery attempt in Mithi — traditionally the most peaceful city of Sindh. The killing of two Hindu brothers has sparked widespread grief, anger and indignation all over .

A complete shutdown was observed in Mithi, Islamkot, Chhachhro, Diplo, Chelhar, Nagarpkar, Dahli, Chelhar and other towns of the district in protest against the killing of grain traders -- Dileep Kumar, 42, and his brother Chandar Kumar Mahaswari, 40 -- by two unknown motorcyclists early Friday during a dacoity bid. Traders and workers of various political parties came out on the roads to register their anger on the double murder.

Enraged people also staged demonstrations at various points causing problems to the commuters. PPP workers going to Mirpurkhas town to attend a public meeting of PPP also faced difficulties. Later, PPP MPA Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani reached the venue and assured the protesters of his full support for the arrest of killers.

Local traders blamed that they soon after tragic incident informed the area police but police failed to arrive at the crime scene or bothered to chase the killers, as most of the policemen under the supervision of SSP Thar had reportedly gone to Mirpurkhas during the public gathering of PPP president Asif Ali Zardari.

The bodies of the deceased were handed over to the family after the postmortem. Taking notice of the killings, IGP AD Khowaja has directed the DIG Mirpurkhas and SSPs of Thar and Umerkot districts to arrest the culprits as soon as possible. Talking to The News, IGP Khowaja said the murder of Hindu traders was an act of terrorism in the peaceful desert region.

Eyewitnesses said two armed men riding a motorcycle opened fire on the two brothers when one of them offered some resistance to robbery bid. The robbers easily managed to escape with the money. Dileep Kumar died on the spot, while Chandar succumbed to bullet injuries at the Civil Hospital, Mithi. Local traders blamed that they had reported the incident to the area police but they failed to arrive at the crime scene.