This is an archive article published on December 28, 2022
Actor shot in highway robbery bid, husband tells Bengal cops
The woman, 30-year-old Riya Kumari, was travelling to Kolkata from Jharkhand capital Ranchi with her husband Prakash Kumar and their two-year-old daughter.
The locals helped Prakash Kumar take his wife to the SCC Medical College and Hospital in Uluberia where doctors declared her brought dead, police said. (Representational image)
A Jharkhand actor was shot during an attempted highway robbery in West Bengal’s Howrah district on Wednesday, her husband told police.
The woman, 30-year-old Riya Kumari, was travelling to Kolkata from Jharkhand capital Ranchi with her husband Prakash Kumar and their two-year-old daughter.
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Kumar, who identified himself as a film producer, told police that they were attacked when he stopped their car near the Mahishrekha bridge on National Highway 16 in Rajapur at around 6 am to relieve himself.
He told police that his wife got down from the vehicle on seeing the robbers and tried to stop them. They shot her through the ear from close range, he said.
“The husband alleges that three men attacked him and tried to rob his belongings but his wife came in between. They had weapons, they shot at her and fled from the spot,” said Swati Bangaliana, SP Howrah (Rural). “As per the husband, she was shot from point blank range. We have initiated a case. Investigation is on.”
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Police said they were also looking into the husband’s statement.
Kumar told police he drove his wife for around three kilometres looking for help. He sought help from residents of Pirtala area, who called the police.
Kumari was taken to the Uluberia Hospital after police reached the spot. Doctors at the hospital declared her dead.
Police said they are looking for CCTV cameras near the spot. They are also investigating the car and looking for the shell of the bullet.
“Riya is an actor in Jharkhand, people know her well,” the husband told reporters.
Police said they will also speak to the child in order to corroborate Kumar’s statements.
State minister Firhad Hakim said: “Police will act promptly, identify the people behind it and will ensure they get strict punishment. There are anti-socials everywhere but our administration and government believes in giving them strict punishment.”
BJP’s National Vice President Dilip Ghosh attacked the TMC government, claiming the law and order situation in West Bengal was deteriorating.
“It is an extremely unfortunate incident. Under this government, not even TMC leaders feel safe. Now no one from outside will come here to do business and open a factory. Mamata Banerjee is busy trying to save her leaders. Who will protect the common person?”
The locals helped Prakash Kumar take his wife to the SCC Medical College and Hospital in Uluberia where doctors declared her brought dead, police said. (Representational image) 
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