Jamshedpur, Feb. 25: Adityapur witnessed yet another bloodshed in sequel to Balu-ghat rivalry.

Bablu Melgandi, who was shot last night, succumbed to bullet injuries this morning.

A resident of Saldih bustee in Adityapur, Bablu was shot from close range in his head. He was immediately rushed to MGM Medical College and Hospital from where he was shifted to Tata Main Hospital where he died today.

Bablu would earn his living by supplying sand from Saldih ghat along Kharkai river.

The family members of the victim said Bablu was in the sand supply business for the past four years but they did not know about his enmity with anyone. They said Bablu was apparently disturbed due to some monetary dispute with someone.

“There are several goons operating in balu-ghat and those in the sand supply business have to pay rangdaari. How can we say who exactly might be behind his murder,” said a close relative of the deceased.

The police have registered a case under conspiracy and murder against some unknown persons based on the statement of the victim’s nephew, Motu Melgandi.

V.D. Singh, the officer-in-charge of Adityapur police station, said it was too early to conclude whether or not the murder was result of some business rivalry. But he added money was involved in the murder.

“I would not disclose the name of the suspects as it might affect the probe. We would try to solve the case fast,” the officer said.

Eight months ago, a 22-year-old youth, Ravi Sharma was murdered in Adityapur following a clash between him and Murari Singh, a sand supplier. Ravi plotted Singh’s murder in 2006.

Though Singh sustained injuries, he miraculously survived the attack. On returning from hospital, he killed Ravi last June.

In 2005, a youth, Khokan Dey, was murdered in Ichhapur, under RIT police station area in Adityapur, pertaining to balu-ghat business.

Since 2000, there is no government control on sand-lifting and supply business, allowing some goons to demand rangdaari from those in sand supply business.

Sources reveal that goons who control the balu-ghats include Dipen Mahto in Saldih ghat, Sudhir Kerai in Raidih ghat, Ratan Loharia in Ramaria and Doctor Soren in Bhua ghat.