BIGUNJ: A state of terror has reigned Birgunj here in Parsa district after criminals killed a local businessman and critically injured two others recently.

The terror-stricken Birgunj dwellers are not buying the authorities’ claim of bolstering security in the wake of the murder, as such incidents have been on the rise in the recent times.

Businessman Binod Kumar Agrawal was stabbed to death on Sunday while two others were injured in firing last night itself. Manoj Harlal, who is running a cloth shop in Main Road, and another businessman Raju Shah Kanu were injured in the firing. Harlal was shot at while he was standing in front of his shop. Kanu was targeted while he was walking on the road.

Though a large number of security personnel have been mobilised for maintaining law and order situation, criminals have been making hay of the security loopholes.

Rajendra Prasad Shah, 39, a resident of Birgunj-10, who was allegedly involved in yesterday’s firing was held, police said.

The police also recovered pamphlets that read ‘Long Live the Bagadbill Group’ from the yesterday’s incident site.

According to SP Subodh Ghimire, the attacked businessmen duo was not asked any donation, however.

“It may be that the earlier

active groups have renamed their organisations or the groups

wanted to create terror ahead of Tihar,” he claimed.

“Businessmen are terrified and enraged over the lacklustre performance of security

personnel to prevent such incidents and apprehending

the criminals involved ,” said Ashok Temani, senior vice-chairman of Birgunj Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

“If there is no improvement in security situations it might prompt the displacement

of businessmen and their

investment from this city

altogether,”he added.

In the wake of the growing criminal activities, a meeting was called by CDO Durga Prasad Bhandari. The district security committee decided to change security management to be effective from today.It was also decided to strengthen the security with good coordination among the security personnel of Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and National Investigation Department.