Itanagar: In a shocking incident, masked attackers vandalized the Genesis Watch Store in Itanagar’s Akashdeep Market complex on Tuesday, assaulting staff members and briefly kidnapping two employees. Police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the culprits.
The attack, which occurred around 4 p.m., involved 10-15 individuals who stormed the store, causing damage estimated at several lakhs. They seized CCTV footage and forcibly abducted two employees, later holding them at the residence of Lezen Gyadi, president of the All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU). The employees were released after police intervention.
Superintendent of Police Rohit Rajbir Singh stated that the incident followed a confrontation earlier that day between the store owner, Takam Tanio, and Gyadi. According to police, Gyadi and three associates had allegedly attempted to take watches without payment around 11:30 a.m. Tanio managed to de-escalate the situation, convincing Gyadi to pay for one watch before leaving.
The evening attack appears to have been retaliation for the earlier dispute. The Itanagar Market Welfare Association expressed concerns about escalating violence, citing threats allegedly made by individuals linked to ANSU under Gyadi’s leadership.
Police have registered multiple criminal charges, including vandalism, assault, and abduction, and are analyzing surviving CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators.
The incident has drawn widespread attention on social media, with videos of the attack circulating on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. Public outrage over the brazenness of the assault and the alleged involvement of a prominent student leader has added urgency to the investigation.
Authorities have assured the public of swift action and increased security measures in the market complex to prevent further incidents.
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