Chilli powder attack: Farmer robbed of ₹25 lakh in broad daylight in MP’s Ashoknagar

Ashoknagar (Madhya Pradesh), Dec 31 : In a brazen daylight robbery, three unidentified assailants looted ₹25 lakh from a 47 year old farmer by throwing chilli powder into his eyes in Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday, police said.
The incident took place between Tamoia Chakk and Mohri villages when the victim, identified as Lakhvinder, a resident of Tamoia Chakk, was travelling on his motorcycle. According to police, the farmer was carrying the cash to repay a loan of ₹24 lakh to his relative, Jajji, a resident of Rampura locality, while ₹1 lakh was meant for another person.
The cash was kept in two separate bags, wrapped in a towel and placed at the front of the motorcycle. After travelling a short distance, Lakhvinder realised that he had forgotten his mobile phone and turned back. At that point, three men standing by the roadside stopped him on the pretext of making an inquiry.
During the brief conversation, one of the assailants suddenly threw chilli powder into the farmer’s eyes, causing severe irritation, while another snatched the bag containing the cash and fled. The third accused allegedly assisted in the escape.
Blinded by pain, the farmer shouted for help for a long time, but passers-by did not stop to assist him. A villager later noticed him and informed his family, following which he was rushed to the district hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Police said chilli powder mixed with water was found at the crime scene. Teams from Kotwali and Dehat police stations reached the spot soon after the incident and launched an investigation.
Sub-Divisional Officer of Police Vivek Sharma said the crime scene was inspected based on the victim’s statement. “The matter is being investigated and efforts are on to identify and nab the accused,” he said.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over law and order in the district, coming close on the heels of another major robbery earlier this month, when a grain trader was looted of ₹20 lakh near Sadora while travelling on a motorcycle.
Police said all possible angles are being examined and assured that the accused would be arrested soon.