Chilli Powder Attack: ₹25 Lakh Looted from Farmer in Daring Robbery in Ashoknagar

A sensational robbery in a cinematic style has shaken Ashoknagar district, where armed miscreants looted ₹25 lakh from a farmer after throwing chilli powder into his eyes. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning between Tamoia Chak and Mohri villages, triggering panic among locals and raising serious concerns over public safety.

According to police officials, the victim, 47-year-old farmer Lakhvinder, was travelling on his motorcycle to Ashoknagar to return money borrowed from a relative. He was carrying ₹25 lakh in cash, wrapped in towels and kept in two separate bags placed at the front of his motorcycle.

Midway through his journey, three unidentified men standing by the roadside stopped him under the pretext of conversation. Suddenly, one of the attackers hurled chilli powder into his eyes, causing severe burning and temporary blindness, while another snatched the cash-filled bag. The assailants then fled the scene swiftly.

Sub-Divisional Officer of Police Vivek Sharma stated that the crime scene has been inspected based on the victim’s statement and intensive efforts are underway to identify and arrest the culprits. “Special police teams have been deployed and raids are being conducted at possible hideouts,” he said.

The victim revealed that ₹24 lakh had been borrowed from a relative named Jajji, which he was going to return, while the remaining ₹1 lakh was meant for another person. Due to intense pain and disorientation caused by the chilli powder, he was unable to seek immediate help. Later, a passerby informed his family, following which he was rushed to the district hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

Police officials recovered traces of chilli powder mixed with water at the spot, confirming the method used in the crime. Notably, this is not the first such incident in the area. Earlier this month, a grain trader was robbed of ₹20 lakh near Shadora under similar circumstances after withdrawing money from a bank.

The repeated incidents of high-value robberies have sparked fear among residents and traders, prompting demands for increased police patrolling and stricter security measures.

Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have assured that the accused will be brought to justice soon.