RAJBIRAJ: Local businessmen in Saptari raised the ante for their security and compensation for a damaged hardware shop.

They obstructed the East-West highway and shut the market place today.

Das Hardware located at Rajbiraj-3 was set ablaze by some miscreants last Thursday. As per preliminary investigation, properties worth more than Rs 2.5 million were damaged in the arson.

Organising a press meet on the highway, the businessmen also demanded that the authorities immediately book the culprits. Local chapter of Chamber of Commerce and Industries took initiatives for the businessmen’s cause.

Victim Shankar Das alleged that UCPN-Maoist cadres might have set ablaze his shop as he had opened the shop during the three-day general strike. The agitating businessmen also warned that they would continue the protest until their demands were met.